In recent attempts I have found it to be really hard to build a community. It seems that the use of websites has changed unlike 5-10 years ago. I have been apart of a guild that did not like to use Teamspeak but did well with Facebook. While my current group I am with enjoys website for Game usage and Facebook for personal communication or updates. It is interesting to see how social media has changed over the years. Now that we have Youtube, Pinsterest, Twitter, and Smartphones there are many ways to build a community. My issues is that I am still in my situation of joblessness that causes me to be limited.
So what can help you build your gaming community? From a Christian perspective there is the “church-like” image we can create with it. Prayer is vital and should be number one tool to building stronger bond between leaders and members. My current guild is on the right track as they meet each Monday night in prayer, updates, and guild meeting. There is the talk for a Bible Study of which would be a great next step, but it will need to come by with a common interest. Other great ways is to have contests for in game items: gems, precursors, weapons, outfits, or anything that will bond people as a community. Also, it can be based on the genre of the guild: PvE, PvP, WvW, family-friendly, and etc.
Where to start? It starts with building a launch team. This means they may not stay in leadership later or may move on. Let them move on if they feel they can help somewhere else. The Launch Team is the ones that will help you develop the community. The Guild Leader’s responsibility is to seek out those that will be the best at continuing to develop your vision for the guild. These leaders will have their fair share of responsibilities to lead the guild community. These needs are based on those who are in the guild (the numbers). Demographically focus changes as many may not be from your area of the US. Plus relationships are built over time, and you will know who will be able to help you grow the community.
Be sure to share! It is VITAL for guild leaders to be willing to give responsibility if someone else can do it for you and are willing to do it. This will help with burnout. If you have enough people doing a responsibility of the guild then you will also have time to have fun and still lead the community. Remember to share your vision as new members and old members need to know where you are going with the guild so they to will see the vision. Will it be just for this game? Is it for future change as new games come around? You see it is important to look at the future to what you are creating. Share and build your leadership team through prayer and communication.
Communication! This is huge as people need to know what is going on. This is also a good time to express the need to advertise your guild if you are wanting to reach people of like kindness as you . Youtube video, gaming websites, or even the game’s website are the best ways to share. If people can see the activity of your community in game and out they will be more willing to want to join you. Videos that show what you do in game will definitely make things real and not just words. Use any types of social media to let people know about your guild. Also seek out people in your guild who also have talent and share the responsibility.
I hope this helps any of you who are guild leaders or community directors of a gaming community. There is a lot of work that comes with the job. Remember- don’t do it ALONE. Seek out people who could also help develop the community. Make sure to pray about it, and see how God can work in it. If you are not a Christian, ask other guild leaders what they do to develop their communities.