'But people have to beware because it may feel like playing network games is filling an interpersonal need. There's nothing wrong with fantasy and simple escapism, says Dr. Martino of snow-covered Lorettville, Province of Quebec, quipped, 'Reality hits me at minus 25 degrees every morning when I go to work. 'That being said, it's nice to be able to pour a glass of wine and sit in your shorts and go adventuring with your pals.' To which M. 'There's nothing that can compare with live gaming,' he said. That thought was echoed, but also tempered, by N.

Another player, identified only as Jay from Sun Valley, Calif., added, 'Sure, you can play games and have relationships on-line, but it just isn't the same as a face-to-face relationship.' 'If you spend too much time on-line, the real world can suffer to the point that the only people you are left with is the on-line types,' offered Bruce Gessleman, from Texas. Most said the cost of gaming wasn't an issue for them, but they were divided on whether heavy game-playing kept them from real-life friendships. When GEnie agreed to arrange an on-line question and answer session for The Sun, about 40 players from across the United States and Canada weighed in with their comments during a two-hour period. Almost all subscribers have completed some college and about half make more than $50,000 a year. Two years ago one in 10 were women, but now they number one in four. The majority of GEnie subscribers are between 25 and 44. GEnie subscribers can sign on and take part in more than a dozen ongoing multi-player games - like 'Air Warrior' or 'Hundred Years War' - or simply chat by computer with other players or game designers.

Indeed, just such a discussion took place last week over the on-line computer network run by GEnie, a Rockville-based company that offers games and information services.

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