Community is one of the key elements in any released game.  A solid community where players participate to do things such as help out others, and keep track of the little bits of history here and there, not to mention report bugs…well, there really is no substitute for that. One of the things I have been investing some serious time in is designing the key bits that will help tie a strong community together. Forums, Policies, etc.

One of the things I am hell bent on doing in the next few months, is putting a community manager into place. Someone who be the first impression for all the people who come to eat at our establishment. This person will not be a nursemaid, or a tyrant…it will be someone who helps us help you. By keeping the community rolling, and being a buffer and more importantly a pass through for information. The developers, the artist, the writers…they all need user input. But it has to be filtered to some effect. If it was not, we will spend all our time answering questions in a forum, and not enough time working on the game itself.

One of the big things we will be looking for is user participation. We want to create a system where vets can help (not school) new folks. We want a system that hopefully sets a baseline for respectful interaction. I know, we are asking for alot. But, while I do not think we can achieve a utopia…I do believe we can achieve a pretty peaceful and respectful community without a lot of fuss. There are plenty of examples out there, of communities that operate like this.

So, look for more community elements coming. We are working hard to bring them into place. Because by establishing a good and solid community, Emerald Kingdom, and in turn, Double Cluepon will be around for years to come. =)