Welcome To The Community Lounge
Your hub for community management resources, guides, and conversations. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, you'll find something valuable here.
The Community Lounge Podcast
Conversations with Community Managers from the video game industry.
We've just got a lawyer to be our Community Manager!
with Julia Rozwens
Julia has around ten years of community management experience, including eight years at Gameloft for Asphalt 8 and Asphalt 9, where she rose to Global Social Portfolio Lead. We chat about managing a community for a genre she's not personally into (she still doesn't have a driving license), her favourite CM memory from an esports tournament at Gamescom, and a funny story about a Discord ban wave that got a little out of hand. We also discuss why community management too often gets treated as a dead-end entry-level role in gaming — and I'll let you in on a secret: if you've ever wondered why the Feature Upvote social accounts have so much personality, that's largely down to Julia.
Have really strong boundaries for yourself
with Faye V
Faye V returns for part two of our chat. Topics include Faye’s argument for open development, the “chasm of empathy” between developers and players, and why hiring a community lead early, not six months before launch, is best.
Online communities are societies
with Faye V
One of the biggest challenges in community management is knowing when to shift gears. Faye V. from Chaos Manufacturing joins us to discuss juggling different roles and why understanding and adapting to each community’s unique culture is essential.
Guides for Community Managers
Practical, step-by-step advice to help you manage, thrive and grow.
Learning resources for community managers: what my podcast guests recommend
In this guide, we dive into the resources game community managers rely on to learn the job beyond the job — from practical books and free GDC talks to peer Discords, industry events, and mentorship programs recommended by experienced CMs.
Internal communication for community managers: How to talk to your team
In this guide, we explore the invisible half of community management: internal communication. Learn how to build trust with developers, tailor your reports for different stakeholders, filter out toxicity, and translate studio decisions to your players with empathy and transparency.
Your first week as a community manager: What actually matters
Starting a community management role feels like being handed the keys to someone else’s house while they’re on vacation. You know there’s a system, but nobody left instructions. The good news: every community manager before you felt the same disorientation. The better news: there are concrete things you can do in week one that will […]
Industry news & trends
Stay up to date with what's happening in the gaming industry.
The Elder Scrolls Online launches feedback boards with Feature Upvote
The Elder Scrolls Online has a new home for player feedback. Discover how we worked with ZeniMax Online Studios to give players more ways to share what matters and help the team better understand community priorities.
Video game industry podcasts
I’m a big fan of podcasts. They’ve been around for a long time, but there’s still plenty of life in them. Here are some active podcasts from the video game industry podcasts (yes, including my own): The Community Lounge This is my podcast. It features interviews with people in community roles in the video game […]
How to get player feedback
I strongly believe that listening to player feedback will make your game better. But what if you're not yet getting any player feedback? I have three tips for getting players to give you feedback.