With the more and more games becoming multi-player, a sense of community has appeared. Patchwork aficionados aside, gaming clans are now one of the largest groups of Internet users. Whether playing Quake , Half Life or any game from the MechWarrior series, groups of players are bringing an element of community and camaraderie to the Web.
Gaming clans are similar to the old tribal systems of Scotland and Ireland.
All have their own history, mottos and ideologies. Joining these communities normally consists of either applying as you would for a job, or being headhunted by a member of the clan because your reputation precedes you. Again reminiscent of 12th century clans, membership rituals normally involve a contest of some form, a measure of skill intended to determine a prospect's social standing. How the prospects fare will dictate whether or not they are invited into the fold. Once admitted, the member's attitude is considered to be even more important than fighting skill.