Engaging Communities in Game Development: Insights from Victoria Tran

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Victoria Tran, Innersloth's communications director and the voice behind the Among Us community, has carved a niche for herself in the often-overlooked domain of community management. Her journey into game development is both unique and instructive. Tran started her academic career in sociology with a focus on communications and healthcare but found her true calling in gaming, driven by a lifelong passion for video games.

Her entry into the field of community management came after a brief stint with a game outsourcing company, which provided her with insight into games marketing. Tran transitioned to Kitfox Games as a community manager, where she contributed to projects like Boyfriend Dungeon and Dwarf Fortress, honing her skills in managing online player interactions.

When the indie sensation Among Us began to gain momentum in 2020, Tran's role became pivotal. "They needed someone to help them with the community," Tran recalls, reflecting on how she was recruited at a time when the game was becoming a social phenomenon during a global crisis.

Working on Among Us during the 2020 pandemic feels like a winning lottery ticket. But it also feels like building a plane while trying to fly it.

For Tran, the whirlwind of managing the game's community amid real-world upheaval was both thrilling and challenging. "There's so much happening every day... it’s going to blow my mind, in 10 years, when an adult tells me, ‘I loved Among Us when I was a kid,’" she shares, highlighting the emotional connection many players forged with the game during this tumultuous period.

Valuing Community in Game Development

Tran emphasizes the significance of community management in game development, arguing that a game’s community is one of its most vital assets. "It’s easy to copy a game’s art style or design, but your players and their passion for the game are irreplaceable," she asserts. This sentiment is crucial for studios aiming for long-term success.

Moreover, she suggests that the approach to community should start in pre-production. Game developers need to engage with potential players early in the process—whether that means immersing themselves in community forums or actively participating in discussions about competitor games. "Understanding what resonates with players allows developers to design games that truly cater to their audiences," Tran says, pointing out that a thoughtful approach to community engagement can greatly enhance player experience.

When you think of long-term success as a studio, community is where that really matters.

A Human-Centric Approach to Game Design

Tran believes that gaming companies can thrive by making decisions not strictly based on profit margins but rather by enhancing player enjoyment. "Often, indie developers prioritize humanity and connection over maximizing dollar returns, which can create a deeply devoted fan base." This approach is reflected in beloved titles like Stardew Valley and Among Us, where player-centric decisions contribute to sustained success.

"A win in your job is multifaceted," says Tran, explaining how successes are shared within a team. Personal joys are felt when players respond positively to updates or share their experiences creatively, whether through fan art or engagement in community events.

Building Meaningful Connections

The lessons from Tran's career illustrate the necessity of understanding the player's perspective and the complexities of community management. "People love talking about the wins, and no one really talks about when you lose or how embarrassing it can feel," she reflects on her initial fears of sharing her work publicly. Her willingness to learn from mistakes has been key to her growth as a community manager.

Tran’s work exemplifies how involving players in the game’s journey encourages loyalty, fostering a community that can evolve alongside the game itself. Many faces in the industry might not receive the recognition they deserve, yet they play crucial roles in shaping the gaming experience.

What Lies Ahead for Community Management

As gaming evolves, so too should the strategies surrounding community management. Tran's insights encourage developers to view community members as integral partners in the game’s lifecycle. Engaging with players from the inception of a project can create profound connections that stand the test of time.

Looking ahead, Tran advocates for a culture of openness and understanding, where community management is recognized not just as support, but as a cornerstone of game development. "If you want to maintain your player base in future games—having a community manager can be very helpful," she urges, underscoring that the emotional ties players develop are invaluable.

Ultimately, Tran's reflections spotlight a path forward for game developers: one where community engagement enriches the gaming experience and fulfills the creators' vision, ensuring games not only find an audience but also create lasting connections.