About community after release !

[Siddus]

One of my questions for the chat was about community tools after the game launch. Will there be website/forums/ladders etc etc. But the question was cut because LEC filtered questions about this tools, multiplayer aspects and questions about the demo.

 

But, I found on the job page of Petro, updated information. And there is some very interesting stuff, about the Assistant Marketing :

 

This position will be responsible for:

 

* Assist Publishers in developing and executing marketing and community strategies, plans, and communications for PC product launches as appropriate - to include promotional campaigns targeting the core and casual gaming audience, downloads and trailer support, tournaments/competitions.

* Assist publisher with researching various marketing opportunities.

* Identify opportunities and provide recommendations to improve Petroglyph websites, community outreach, studio PR, and other efforts.

* Develop and perform key product presentations, detailing key features and other information for internal and external partners, press, and events, as needed and in conjunction with publishers as appropriate.

* Work with appropriate Petroglyph managers and Publisher to develop and execute appropriate advertising, consumer promotions, and sponsorships for game titles to include screenshots, trailers, interviews, etc.

* Manage information flow between departments to ensure all title-related materials communicate title, brand objectives and positioning in conjunction with Publisher.

* Develop and manage community programs (newsletters, forums, etc.).

* Other responsibilities as assigned or needed.

 

 

Qualifications:

 

* Knowledge of the video game industry and video games in general.

* Effective written and verbal communication skills along with good presentation skills to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts and convey product information.

* Must be a creative thinker and self-starter.

* Possess analytical strength in determining marketing strategies and opportunities within the game industry.

* Must have a passion for games.

* Two or more years experience marketing consumer products, entertainment products, or video games required.

* Experience working in game industry preferred

* BA/BS in Marketing, Business or related field required.

* Knowledge of and some experience with Online Marketing programs such as viral campaigns, interactive Flash content, loyalty programs, etc.

* Online chat or forum moderation experience.

* Experience either running a fan site or participating in an online gaming clan/guild a plus.

 

When we read what this guy is going to do, it's very instructive !

[DarthMaulUK]

If you at this in the chat log

Question (Cobra848): "Will there be a PetroGlyph Online Support? Like WOL. What kind of features will it have?"

Petroglyph-Chris: "Post launch you can expect to see the Petro team very active listening to fans and responding to feedback. I’d also like to point out we will have a unique tournament system that caters to all three unique game modes as well a** an expanded profiling system."

Petroglyph-Mike: "No profanity, Chris. :-)"

Petroglyph-Chris: "DOH!"

 

More or less confirms tournaments and ladders. How they will be managed, I dont know...but from my experiences of gamespy, they need to find somewhere with an actual sense of community because gamespy hasnt

 

DMUK

[Siddus]

Yep

 

But this confirms a dedicated website, forums , competitions, chats etc.

 

I think it's an excellent point for EaW success in the future. And we don't know, perhaps one day they'll want to offer some support for non-english speakers ... (I'm here ! )

[Ghostly_Substance]

Well then the magazine was right about the tournament option. I wonder if we can go up in ranks and get different avatars for the ranks we unlocked

[JediKnightNathan]

that would be cool. maybe they could also hold local tournments around the world and build up to a global tournament. and the winner gets to help on posible expansions and new stuff. (eg get them selves made into a hero of thier choice)

[DarthMaulUK]

It all sounds fun but one thing you have to remember, not everyone who buys the game will play it online for whatever reason. But as I mentioned, they are going to ensure its community friendly and prevent the 'expert' players from spoiling noob games, as so often happens.

 

Currently, in Dawn Of War, because gamespy sucks, players are creating new accounts, joining a game and then upon launch - dropping out making it all but impossible for a 3v2 battle.

 

I am hoping Petroglyph have servers ready as with their support the game could grow. However, its really down to the publisher to release patches and look at rebellion.

 

DMUK

[Delphi-PG]

Yes, we do plan to have someone full-time working as a community rep. I just don't have enough time to do more (being a game designer). As an ex-full-time community manager for the C&C series, the situation is a bit frustrating. We’ll get things ironed out, don’t worry.

 

However, its really down to the publisher to release patches and look at rebellion.

 

We will do everything in our power to patch and update the game on a regular basis, but if Lucas says "no," there is only so much we can do.

[DarthMaulUK]

We will do everything in our power to patch and update the game on a regular basis, but if Lucas says "no," there is only so much we can do.

 

I work for a publisher in the UK and we released a game a while back that required alot of 'enhancements' however, after releasing the first patch - thats all we wanted to release, regardless. This was frustrating from a community point of view(which i was looking after at the time) and i used to read daily all the cries and pleas for more patching.

 

Frustrating for developers and community but let's hope Lucasarts have learnt from their past mistakes.

 

DMUK

[Juggernaut1985]

Too bad when jobs like this are posted, they don't let people who want to be something intern and learn it from the people themselves, like Game Design.

[Vader89]

that would be cool. maybe they could also hold local tournments around the world and build up to a global tournament. and the winner gets to help on posible expansions and new stuff. (eg get them selves made into a hero of thier choice)

 

Lol, i like the idea, sounds sweet but i dont think that'll happen.

[DarthMaulUK]

I did the same sort of thing just before the expansion for Galactic Battlegrounds came out. I had 5 copies to give away from Lucasarts. So you just never know!

 

DMUK