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  • The Atlantic

    What It’s Like to Meet a Friend You Know Only From Video Games

    “When he walked in and sat next to me, it was really weird. Like, <em>Can you talk in my ear very closely so I can make sure it’s you?</em>”
    by Julie Beck Oct 05, 2020 6 minutes
    Source: Wenjia Tang

    Each installment of The Friendship Files features a conversation between The Atlantic’s Julie Beck and two or more friends, exploring the history and significance of their relationship.

    This week she talks with a group of childhood friends who adopted a new member, Jordan, after meeting him over video-game voice chat. Several months into their friendship, Jordan moved to where the others lived, partially to be close to them. They discuss the unique ways that video games facilitate intimacy, and their transition from virtual to real-life friendship.

    The Friends:

    Jon Allison, 36, a marketing strategist who lives in Richmond, Virginia.
    Peter Phillips, 33, a software developer who lives in Richmond.
    Tim Phillips, 36, a mortgage loan officer who lives in Richmond.
    Jordan Shear, 32, a software developer who lives in Richmond.
    Trent Werwath, 36, a land surveyor who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

    This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

    A group of you were friends in person first, right, and then you

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