Losing a good friend sucks, I mean really sucks. Especially when it's someone you've known for a few years, have been there for each other, talk to every day, etc. Well, I had a rough friend break-up and almost hit bottom. This series is about my journey to build my social confidence up through video games and other various means.

I could never find any good solutions in WoW, other than the fact that I could just keep building and improving my characters. The game doesn't sound like anything special to most people. I found myself playing hooky from work with lame excuses and almost getting fired/ dumped in the process to play the game. Playing me physically and emotionally numb. All that mattered when I logged in were the scores and honor I racked up in PvP. Considering what rock-bottom means for a lot of people, I get that it doesn't sound that bad, but now you understand what I mean when I say WoW takes me to a bad, dark, place.

Then there is Fuse, which I have to thank for existing in the first place so I had a place where I could let out my frustrations and nerd-out about video games and other things. This is where I got attached to certain people and joined Steam and reached out to them more. What a great social outlet both Steam and Fuse are for the gaming community.

Socially, I tend to lock up when I'm gaming on consoles. It used to be that unless there was a real life friend on, who mainly consisted of my former besty and his friends, I would feel like I was intruding if I sent a message or game invite. Maybe this will change with Steam, but even then, there are just a handful of people I really reach out to and annoy, though I think they would block me if I really got on their nerves. Why yes, I am available on both PSN and X Box Live.

It was through months of commenting on various peoples Fuse posts and making a few of my own that I started building a small social niche. Talking with them influenced me to get my steam account rolling again and contact them that way, as well as possibly game with them some. Now, this is not meant as a puff-piece on Steam, there are plenty of ways to reach out and socialize via the internets/ various console social networks.

Now, I'm more inclined to reach out on Steam, PSN and even XBL. Also, I am active in SuperMassives streams (which I highly recommend viewing via Twitch.tv) and have networked with others that way. Of course I'm still reluctant, maybe that just has to do with my gaming skills, but I look at the fact that I just started Counter Strike and manage to get at least one kill most games as a good thing. Woot.

Where I stand now is I have a handful of friends who I chat with regularly and game with occasionally. We talk games and life and whatnot and give our opinions and even occasionally play a game or two together. It's nice and is a good start to what is turning out to be a long journey.