Social media has risen to the top of our entertainment sector. In fact, some might argue it’s number 1, ranking above television, movies, and gaming. Social media is ever-present in our lives. It lives on our phones, works its way into the music we listen to, utilizes our TVs. It may be too much of a good thing, many would argue.
The gaming industry on the other hand has grown exponentially just as well. Like social media, Its rocket-like success has catapulted it to the tops of entertainment. And there doesn’t seem like much is going to stop it.
These two platforms have a unique synergy that helps both platforms thrive.
The Rise of Gaming Communities on Social Media
The integration of social media platforms with the gaming world creates vibrant communities. Players share their experiences but also influence game development and engagement.
Let’s look at a few of the most popular platforms.
Twitter (Now X)
There are very few social media platforms that rival the sheer popularity of X. In the gaming world, X has commonly been used by game developers to announce new games, patches, and even industry events. This direct line of communication between corporate and gamers has always been vital. And X has long been a central hub for it all.
Developers use X to monitor feedback and discussions regarding their games. This input is often used to add features or modify games or find errors.
X facilitates viral gaming moments as well. Games such as Call of Duty have thrived on the platform since its inception.
Mature games like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” utilize Twitter for sharing updates, expansions, and engaging with a mature audience and inciting deeper discussions.
“Cyberpunk 2077” developers used Twitter feedback to address and fix issues post-launch. There were many!
Games such as “Grand Theft Auto V” benefit from Twitter sharing of gameplay clips and memes,
Reddit is more popular than ever. Today, Reddit is often the source link for Googlers seeking specific information on an anecdotal level. And, for gaming news and solutions.
Most all games, including independent ones, has a dedicated subreddit. These forums offer detailed discussions, strategies, fan theories and many times direct communications with developers.
Reddit communities as also well-known for creating and sharing mods. This encourages heavy creativity.
Mature games like “Dark Souls III” have subreddits dedicated to discussing how the game works and strategies for advancing.
The modding community for “Skyrim” is well known for its many mods that add risqué content to the game.
Discord
Many games these days offer their own Discord servers where players can chat in real time. This allows gamers to find other like-minded gamers who share interested and want to play with them, or partake in community events.
Smaller indie game developers frequently use Discord to build communities around games they develop. This allows them to offer beta testing and exclusive updates.
Mature titles like “Escape from Tarkov” thrive on Discord, where players share real-time strategies and organize teams.
The “Rainbow Six Siege” community on Discord is a hub for players to discuss strategies, share tips, and organize play.
Conclusion
All of these platforms do a great job connecting gamers with other gamers and gamers with developers. They help the gaming community continue to grow and evolve. Their stickiness is surely a main fabric of the gaming community.