Connectivity reigns supreme in today’s digital age. The online gaming universe is no exception, gaming community platforms have been game-changers in online gaming. Once considered mere forums for discussion, these platforms have evolved into ecosystems that influence game development and shape player experience. “These platforms create organic buzz and attract new players through community recommendations and the visibility provided by influencers. Platforms like Twitch allows developers to showcase their gameplay, interact with fans, and build hype around new launches and updates often with the help of popular streamers,” Parth Chadha, CEO, co-founder, STAN told BrandWagon Online.
Gaming community platforms, such as Discord and Twitch, are believed to transform how gamers connect and interact. As of July 2024, Discord has 150 million monthly active users worldwide, as per the company. On the other hand, video streaming platform Twitch had approximately 7.23 million active streamers as of April 2024, as per a Statista report. Furthermore, recently Bengaluru-based gaming community platform STAN has claimed to cross 12 million downloads. These platforms are believed to facilitate communication, content sharing, and collaboration, creating spaces where gamers can share strategies, discuss updates, and build friendships beyond the gaming universe.
It is also believed that these qualities of gaming community platforms turn these into agents to improve a game’s popularity. Experts believe these platforms have been essential for user acquisition. “STAN enables to create user-generated-content, organise tournaments and events on the app. These features drive continuous engagement and attract new players. Just like Discord, STAN also allows players to join a specific game-related channel or club to discuss strategies, share fan content and stay updated on new game features,” Chadha added.
Apart from user acquisition, these platforms play a key role in the retention of users too. Experts opined, “Feedback from content creators and influencers on these platforms plays significant role in many gamers’ decision-making. When a trusted creator gives positive feedback or demonstrates the game’s features, it can increase interest and engagement. Players can also seek support from fellow creators, especially when they are stuck at certain levels or looking to enhance their skills. This continuous interaction helps improve user retention rates,” Siddharth Nayaar, co-founder, CRO, Max Level said.
However, Free Fire and BGMI were two top-ranked games in India from a monetisation perspective in 2023, as per a recent FICCI-EY report. It is believed that at the time of streaming, gamers end up using a variety of tactics, which is a key reason behind the rise of these games. But experts also opine, other than Battle Royale games, multiplayer online battle arenas(MOBA) and first-person shooters( FPS) have also gained popularity. “MOBA titles such as Mobile Legends cater to players who crave strategic, team-based gameplay, while traditional FPS titles like Valorant and CS continue to attract competitive gamers who value precision and skill. Additionally, sports and racing games like FIFA and Asphalt offer immersive experiences for fans who enjoy replicating real-world sports or racing in high-speed environments,” Roby John, co-founder, CEO, SuperGaming said.