Web3 Gaming Communities: Do’s and Don’ts from the Experts

In a recent WYG? gaming panel discussion, a group of games and gamers came together to explore the nuances of building and engaging with Web3 communities. From best practices for getting feedback to understanding how to protect and nurture a gaming community, the conversation provided valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of community management. Here's a breakdown of the key points.

Is Web3 Community More Important Than Anywhere Else?

The panel kicked off with a lively debate on whether community is more important in Web3 than in other industries.

“Community is like the pulse of any success, especially in technology,” said Rosemary Salem. Many agreed, highlighting how a strong Web3 community can make or break a project. Promise, a game developer, shared that the feedback loop from the Web3 community is much more valuable compared to traditional gaming spaces. “It keeps the product working,” he emphasized, showing how community input can directly shape game development.

Thrust added that Web3 is unique because it brings together a variety of personas, from speculators to long-term investors. This diversity makes community-building even more essential. “We need both sides, the good and the bad,” he noted.

How Should Founders Get Feedback From Their Community?

The conversation then shifted to how founders should go about gathering feedback. A recent incident was highlighted where a founder entered a Discord server and directly messaged users to ask for feedback on their game. This sparked a debate on the right and wrong ways to approach community members.

“You need community ambassadors to be that bridge,” suggested DeFi_ZooRacer9000, explaining that founders should engage existing community members who can facilitate feedback sessions instead of cold DMing.

Sparkball’s Chandler took a more forgiving stance, saying, “If you see a founder reaching out to you about wanting feedback, that should be the project you respect.” He believes that direct communication shows genuine care and dedication to improving the game, but emphasized the importance of asking permission first.

What’s the Role of Protocols and Rules of Engagement?

The panel agreed that establishing protocols and rules is crucial for any Web3 community.

“You have to be very communicative in your Discord about protocols,” said UncleFunk. He stressed the need for communities to clearly outline expectations, behaviors, and engagement rules to avoid misunderstandings. Rosemary Salem echoed this by emphasizing that onboarding should include ethical guidelines to prevent users from accidentally stepping on toes.

Thrust added that Web3 communities should focus on “building relationships first and then extracting value.” He believes that understanding members on a personal level is key to fostering a genuine, long-term community.

What Makes a Strong Web3 Community?

Many panelists agreed that a vibrant, engaged community is the backbone of any successful Web3 project. “You could have the best product out there, but if no one knows about it, it’s just pointless,” said SrChois, emphasizing the need for strong community backing to amplify a project’s reach.

Vishesh Sharma drew a powerful analogy, comparing the role of community in Web3 to citizens in a democracy. “Community is important for Web3 projects to survive. They guide the project, providing valuable feedback and steering it in the right direction,” he explained.

How to Balance Criticism and Encouragement in Web3 Communities?

The importance of critical feedback was a hot topic. BloomOne shared an insightful story about how deeper questioning often uncovers the real reasons behind players' behaviors. “Many times, when you engage with your community and let them tell you their story, you find out more than what they initially told you,” he said, highlighting the value of digging deeper for genuine insights.

Rosemary Salem emphasized that being vulnerable and open to criticism is vital for building trust. “You need to be strong enough to handle feedback and make people feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions,” she said.

Final Thoughts

The panel concluded that while building a Web3 gaming community comes with its unique challenges, the rewards are immense. Establishing clear communication, respecting feedback processes, and fostering genuine relationships are all essential elements for success.

As the Web3 gaming space continues to grow, it's evident that communities will remain at the heart of every project. Whether you're a developer, founder, or player, the shared passion and collaboration within these communities will drive the future of Web3 gaming forward.