Q: game center problem

Hello Gene, 

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. 

I know how important it is to make sure your Game Center and friend request option is working, and you're not seeing a "Not Available message.  I have a couple things for you to check. 

First, use this article Using Game Center on your Mac or iOS device to check the Game Center settings and connection settings. Specifically, these sections:

Change your Game Center settings

View your profile to add email addresses, edit account info, and change privacy settings.

• iOS: Go to Settings and tap Game Center. You might have to sign in with your Apple ID.
• OS X: Go to the Me tab and click Account > View Account.

Get help

If you can't sign in to Game Center or stay connected, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that you're connected to the Internet.
2. If you can't create an account or sign in to Game Center from within a game, try to create an account or sign in using the Game Center app.
3. Sign out of Game Center, then sign back in. If you can't sign in to Game Center with an Apple ID, reset your password or use another email address. To manage your Apple ID, go to My Apple ID.
4. If you're using a Wi-Fi connection, make sure that your Wi-Fi router is configured for Game Center.
5. If you can't sign in on a Mac, continue with the steps to resolve sign in issues.

Once you've done this, use this article to restart your iPad Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and try again. 

Additionally, you can check out the Play games with friends section of the iPad User Guide. 

All the best.