Mastering the Art of Online Engagement: Insights from a Gaming Community Manager
In today’s ever-evolving digital age, the role of a Community Manager has grown to be one of great importance, bridging the gap between a company and its audience. This is especially true in the gaming industry, where the art of online community building can make or break the player experience. We had the opportunity to chat with Jupiter, the Community Manager at Toya Play, a female-led studio that develops engaging Roblox games. In this interview, Jupiter shares her insights about the importance of community management, her strategies for effective engagement, and advice for aspiring professionals in the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in community management, and what are some of the key skills and qualities that someone in this role should possess?
“To be honest, I didn’t really pursue a career in community management. I actually worked as a games journalist for a long time, doing some licensing management for free to play, browser-based games. I also created Youtube content around indie games and built up a bit of a brand, which means I always had work.
I was recommended for my Community Manager role by the previous community manager, who saw how I managed the brand and community I had built up, and felt that I would be good at being a face for another community.
I feel that one of the key skills of being a Community Manager is having thick skin. You also need a lot of patience. You need to be able to slowly explain the same thing thousands of times.”
What is your approach to building and engaging with a community, and what strategies have you found to be most effective in doing so?
“I feel communication is a great building block of creating a community and keeping them engaged. Working on something new? Show them a sneak peak. Ready to release a new feature? Plan a playtest. Make them feel like they are apart of the game development process and they always can find out what’s happening. Discord is a powerful tool when it comes to directly communicating and taking in feedback from your community.”
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in community management, and what resources or tools would you recommend they use to get started?
“If you are just starting out and your community is small, I would say that you should keep at it as if your community is large. Make sure you take the time to continue to ask questions and plan events, even if it feels like it’s not getting a reaction. Consistency can be your greatest help.”
Jupiter’s story highlights that with a solid strategy, community managers can foster thriving communities, ensuring that people’s voices are heard, valued, and responded to, enriching the experience for all. The road might not always be easy, but with persistence, a strategic approach, and effective community networking, it is certain to be a rewarding journey.
