I’ve had online friends I met in games who I’ve remained in contact with for many years well outside of the original game. Some of them I’ve met in real life as well. I’ve also run into many other ‘friend groups’ who hang out in their favorite chat app and jump around between games or other hobbies for whatever fits their mood. It seems common enough to me that it shouldn’t be that rare or difficult for anyone willing to put some effort and trust towards it.

Absolutely, just as you can wander into the wrong bar and end up in a fight.

Competitive games will definitely bring out the worst in some people though, but there’s plenty of co-operative and role-play games that can lead to good lasting friendships.

They certainly can be. Plenty of online games center around socializing. It might not be enough for those who need daily physical contact but it is far from an anti-social hobby.