With a cultural and political climate so hostile to all things gaming, I wonder that we hear so little about the positives. They occur; if you’re a gamer you have a personal litany of how games have improved your life and those around you. But, do you tell non-gamers? How often do you “geek-out” about your new found interest in Chinese masonry from playing Civilization? Or explain to your boss that your geometry skills are better because you’ve been studying ancient formations in the Total War series?

I’d be very surprised if each and every person who reads this doesn’t know of at least one couple who developed a committed relationship through their shared enjoyment of gaming. Love of sports, reading, theatre, movies – all of these have brought (and kept) people together. Games are no different. People get married in unique ways showing their commitment to each other and their passion – Elvis, bungee jumping, roller coasters…

This being the case, why is it when a couple gets married at the Sony Fan Faire - in costume, online, in front of 1600 people with Darth Vader and Sand Troopers as groomsman - do even I feel squeamish and embarrassed about celebrating it?

Life is hard enough without having your chosen entertainment mocked. Life is exhausting even when your chosen work is considered juvenile. I cannot imagine the strength of character it would take to stand in front of so many to take wedding vows. And while we celebrated it with them and their family was there to raise a cup, so few have said “this is what games are about, the people!”

Kelly Kane and Nathan Davalos met in game. They grew to know each other in game. And based upon that trust they moved forward. Once upon a time we did this with pen pals and no one though it odd. Today, not only are gamers mocked for it, we mock each other. ‘Tis a sad state.

Because they met online and their entire guild could not attend, they had an “in-game” wedding concurrent with the ceremony at the banquet. Different? Surely. Mock worthy? I keep thinking of the couple who did the bungee jumping…

I sat at a table with hardcore gamers. Some were developers. We all cringed at the site. Why?

We decry the view the media and popular culture have of “us”. We’re appalled at the blame they place on our pastime for violence, lethargy, poverty, hunger, war, pestilence…well, everything. But, we can’t stand up and celebrate one of our own.

Kelly and Nathan it was a beautiful ceremony. I salute you and the courage you have to stand and celebrate what brought you together.

The rest of us have a long way to go.