One of the best parts of gaming is the sense of community from having something in common with millions of people. There are many gaming communities and it can be epic. Still, like any community, there are dos and don’ts you want to know if you’re really going to connect with others.
Here are 3 tips.
Observe First
You want to observe the community initially to grasp its culture, rules, and the general demeanor of its members because it’s how you’ll avoid unintentional mistakes and serious blunders.
You want to thoroughly read community guidelines or rules to understand the expected behavior. For instance, if you’re joining a competitive gaming community, guidelines may emphasize fair play and respectful communication.
Then, you don’t want to rush into conversations right away. Instead, spend a few days observing discussions to understand the community’s preferred topics, common language and how members interact. Imagine joining a Twitch stream chat for a popular multiplayer game. By reading the streamer’s rules, you learn that backseat gaming is discouraged. Lurking allows you to pick up on the inside jokes and understand the stream’s unique atmosphere, making your eventual participation more informed.
Engage Positively
Build rapport with positive interactions! Positive interactions create a welcoming atmosphere so that others are more likely to respond positively to you.
Actively acknowledge exceptional gameplay, clever strategies, or helpful advice. Suppose you’re playing a team-based shooter, and a fellow player consistently supports the team with effective healing, compliment them!
Also, show genuine interest in others’ experiences or seek advice; this means fostering a sense of community engagement. In a game forum, you could ask about recommended in-game strategies or seek advice for overcoming a challenging level.
Respect Differences
From retired seniors to teenage girls, gaming communities are full of people with diverse backgrounds, preferences, and opinions; respecting everyone is how you can be inclusive and be a part of a harmonious community.
How?
You want to refrain from passing judgment on others based on differences in playstyles, game preferences, or opinions. For instance, if someone enjoys a different gaming genre, respect their choice without dismissing it.
You also want to actively appreciate and celebrate the variety within the community. In a gaming forum, recognize and participate in discussions about different gaming platforms, genres, or even unique in-game approaches. For example, in many Discord servers, discussions arise about the best gaming peripherals. Even if your preferences differ, you want to respect others’ choices and share your positive experiences with your chosen gear without undermining theirs, contributing to and encouraging a diverse and respectful exchange of ideas.
Joining a gaming community is a great idea! Especially if you observe rules and regulations, engage positively, and be very respectful of differences. This way, you enjoy the benefits of connecting with others who love what you love.
