28% of couples now regularly game together at least once a week, the survey found
(Picture: Handout)Computer games can boost romantic relationships, a new survey claims.
The findings from the poll commissioned by EE ahead of Valentine’s Day suggest 58 per cent of Londoners believe online gaming boosts relationships with a love interest or partner.
While 28 per cent of couples now regularly game together at least once a week, the survey found.
Over a fifth of 16–24-year-olds are now more likely to online game on a date night over going out for dinner, to the cinema, or having a night in watching a movie, the survey found.
The findings also suggest 52 per cent per cent of Londoners find online gaming diffuses tensions or arguments and helps to keep the peace in relationships.
The survey found 44 per cent of people find “an interest in online gaming” to be an attractive romantic quality
One in 10 consider it as the number one most important compatibility trait in a potential partner, it found.
Puzzles and party games are the number one choice for couples to play together with sports and multiplayer racing games following closely behind, the survey found.
EE is also seeing online gaming as a key driver for usage “peaks” on its network over the past 12 months, and over half of all people in the capital (56 per cent) state they now spend more time gaming online with friends since the beginning of the pandemic.
Alistair Wilson, Director of Devices and Partnerships at EE, said: “It’s clear that online gaming is not only growing rapidly in popularity but it is also playing an even bigger role in our relationships - with couples now going head-to-head more than ever.”
In a boost to gamers, EE is offering Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as an Inclusive Extra with selected mobile plans when customers order the latest Samsung Galaxy S23 Series on its network.
