It has been a well-known factor for many years that communities have their own preferred gaming types and vice vera, different games have created new gaming communities. Not only is it the game style and genre itself that creates these gaming communities but also the console type that will bring people together. Once gaming went more online rather than in person, many believed the social aspect had dwindled but gaming developers have found a way to bring it back, incorporated within their online games.
The Rise of Gaming Communities
Online gaming platforms were largely solitary endeavors. Many found a way to play them together even before two player or multi-player were provided online. But many still strived for a more connected gameplay, to play and talk to people within their community. Allowing players to communicate with players around the world has become a must have feature on many online games from first person games, to online casino games.
It helps people see gaming as a more social activity and helps people find their community within the online gaming realm. In the early 2000s, people could engage on platforms like Xbox Live, which was launched in 2002 and PlayStation Network which followed in 2006. Today, gaming communities are organized into different sub-communities which are normally based on game type. For example, there are multiplayer online communities, single-player game communities, eSports communities and streaming communities.
Allowing players to talk in gaming forums and online live chats can help their overall experience as they can learn new techniques and strategies to help them improve their gaming skills.
The Advantages of Online Communities
Online communities help bring more gamers together and can be a way for a new player to try a new game out. With such a vast number of games being created these days, players looking for a new game may find it difficult. Finding a community talking about the game they are playing can entice people to try the game out or vice versa, they may find that the game doesn’t sound like it suits their preferences.
Many within the gaming market have seen a positive influence of online communities as they see an improved engagement rating. Whether this is through just simple chats about a game or whether its influence within the game streaming community. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools a game developer can leverage. A shared experience is much more powerful than a singular alone experience.
Gaming culture is directly impacted by its players, as one mainstream popular player may impact the decisions made by thousands. Whether this is to buy a game or whether they are testing a game and point out any flaws within the games.
These gaming communities allow players to connect anytime from anywhere. Mobile apps and optimized websites, alongside portable gaming consoles, make it possible to join tournaments and chats with players regardless or, where they are, signal pending. This convenience is a huge draw for players, as it allows them to participate in gaming communities without being tied to a desktop or physical location. Many of these platforms are designed to work even on 3G or 4G networks, meaning players don’t need fast Wi-Fi to participate. This makes it easy to stay connected while commuting, traveling or away from home. All a player will need is the signal and the headset to chat to players.
Of course, there are also some downsides to having so many voices in one section. For example, conversations can become overwhelming and veer off topic which can be hard to keep track of. For loyal players, this can put them off because it disrupts the sense of meaningful engagement and for those new to these platforms, it can be confusing to find relevant discussions and know where to start participating. However, if you take the time to explore the community and follow moderation guidelines, you will be able to enjoy these platforms offer.
Online communities play a large role in gaming culture and help shape a game into what it is. Not only do gaming communities help build an identity around the game, but it helps create a sense of belonging for people looking for a group that shares their individual interests.
Developers need to home in on this as communities can make or break a game and is unintentionally the backbone of a game’s success. Sharing knowledge, opinions and just socializing, online communities have reshaped the gaming industry to suit their needs and enhance their overall gaming experience.
