Sorry, but no I don't think there's much of a correlation. It is unfortunate but perhaps some of these people you know just aren't all that great of people, if they're that unsympathetic or empathic to others' problems or concerns. There's also something to be said for the fact that many gamers (ie "nerds") are socially awkward or even socially "retarded" (in their own words), and thus they might be less empathetic, at least outwardly, because for whatever reason they just don't know how to deal with other people or handle other people's emotions.
For that matter, I've run into a lot of gamers (especially on forums) who are some of the biggest douch-nozels you'll ever meet in your entire life. Just saying.
I'd like to think that most intellectuals and creative types (artists, etc.) are more empathic, but even that doesn't hold true in my personal experience. I really think it just is a case by case kind of thing.
