It’s 2020, people find love everywhere no matter the platform. So why not MMORGs? Massive Multiplayer Online Games of the likes of World of Warcraft (W.O.W), Elder Scrolls Online, and even League of Legends. These games connect people from all across the world, love is sure to follow just from that right?
Happily Ever Avatar (2020), brings these relationships to the forefront from the perspective of three unique couples. Jake and Chelsea who met on W.O.W, Nick and Tony who met during a League of Legends Tournament. Then finally, Amadeus and Karoline who have yet to meet in person but have put in the hours over Elder Scrolls Online. The show jumps around the lives of these three couples as they navigate being in relationships IRL (In Real Life). But being in a real life relationship comes with real life problems like, jealousy, commitment issues, and distance. Will these three couples make it? You’ll just have to watch and see. The show is a shorter format with episodes ranging from nine to twelve minutes on HBOMax. The new streaming platform has brought a variety of entertainment to its service, Happily Ever Avatar is just part of that extensive list.
The show overall, is interesting in concept as it focuses on the very real life moments of meeting people after connecting in an online format. Online dating is no secret in 2020 and is used through apps and social media. Finding love through online gaming adds more of a personal touch in my opinion versus being on something like Tinder. However, these platforms were not created to spawn romantic relationships initially. While the show focuses on three couples there are cases everywhere in which people have made romantic connections through gaming online. It’s through gaming that the couples in the show made a connection through a common shared interest creating a stronger bond than many surface level commonalities. However, the show misses the mark on showcasing how the couples relationships have grown beyond gaming. Yes, we see the insight of their everyday lives but the most common bond experiences they have are just gaming related. While gaming is something the couples are passionate about, the show misses the mark on featuring other facets of their personalities beyond a love of gaming. Using outed terminology like ‘noob’ in pop up facts makes the show seem like it isn’t as up to date with current gaming terminology or leaning into the stereotype of a gamer is.
In the end, I would say the show has potential but the show needs to have a clearer vision of what audience it is seeking. Is it trying to connect with gamers who also want to find love over virtual format? Is it hoping to connect with nerdy bachelor fans? Average reality TV junkies? Maybe it’s all of the above, however, one thing is for certain it needs to find its niche in a world where reality tv is unfortunately a dime a dozen. My recommendation is give it a try if the concept intrigues you but don’t go in expecting it to be your new fix.
1.5 out of 5 stars
