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bakosphere - > Bakosphere -> "Dread Pirates" become new family for Bakersfield gamer
"Dread Pirates" become new family for Bakersfield gamer

A Bakersfield man's passion for World of Warcraft evolved beyond simple gaming to the point where his "Dread Pirates" guild -- i.e. online gaming partners -- have become a true family that is supporting him through a divorce and the challenges of raising a 3-year-old son.

Jason Schweitzer is featured prominently in a Los Angeles Times article that examines World of Warcraft and the deep emotional ties that unite millions of hardcore WOW players worldwide. Schweitzer's personal case is explored in detail, including these telling paragraphs:

"For Schweitzer, 27, a Bakersfield resident, the Dread Pirates replaced the co-workers, family and buddies who someone his age might typically draw on in a difficult time like a divorce. He confided in them over his headset.

"The only people I had to talk to about it were guild people," he recalled recently. "All of my friends are in Dread Pirates. I don't really have any others."

The story is a good read, and respectful of this new form of digital relationship building that will likely continue to grow.

Posted in these Groups: Arts & Entertainment, Relationships, Technology
Topics: World of Warcraft, Los Angeles Times
posted by bakosphere on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 10:57 AM
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posted by Fredster on Sep 9, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Perhaps, if instead of spending all his free time online playing WoW, he had spent the time working on his marriage, spending time with his son, and fostering real world relationships perhaps he wouldn't been in this situation. Just a thought.

posted by ElfLord on Sep 9, 2009 at 02:59 PM

Fredster, the same thought entered my mind; you just had the guts to come out and say it.

 

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