Building Virtual Community

At its core, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game about building a community — literally — on a remote island. Right now, many of us are also experiencing our own version of remote living, though luckily with many of life’s modern conveniences. Without in-person events, meetups, and interactions, it’s crucial to create or maintain digital spaces for developer communities.

This talk will explore converting a face-to-face community to a virtual community, a few tools (like Twitch) you can use, and how to be a good citizen of these communities. You’ll leave with a few examples to hopefully inspire you and an answer to the all-important question — how is community building like Animal Crossing?

Transcript

1. Building Virtual Community Mia Moore @xoMiaMoore Developer Advocate, IBM
2. @xoMiaMoore Hi! I’m Mia! (they/she) • Currently: Developer Advocate @ IBM • Previously: Content marketing, MBA in Digital Media Management • Animal Crossing since ‘04
3. @xoMiaMoore Today’s Goals • What is community building? • Tips for being a strong community leader • Moving from an IRL community to digital • Creating a digital community from scratch • Tools of the trade • Being a good digital citizen
4. We’re all on our own deserted islands right now
5. @xoMiaMoore What is Community? • Provides a means for people connected by common need, geography, or interest to interact with each other • Allows members to share knowledge, experiences, empathy • Virtual or IRL
6. @xoMiaMoore Community Building • Creating, maintaining, or encouraging a space for a community to interact • Led by individuals, not brands
7. Community Building is about providing value through connection
8. @xoMiaMoore Moving from IRL to Digital • How did the community provide value? • Where are your members already spending time? • Things will be different, and that’s okay! • Learn from your experiences and adapt
9. @xoMiaMoore Creating a Digital Community from Scratch • Find an opportunity • Partner up with 1-2 folks • Welcome collaboration • Iteration and feedback are key
10. @xoMiaMoore Tools of the Trade • Choose platforms/tools with intention • Consider: Functionality, tone, culture, existing user base • Beware “shiny object” distractions • Avoid platform transitions if possible
11. What would Isabelle do?
12. @xoMiaMoore Tips for Being a Strong Community Leader • Create a Code of Conduct • Use inclusive, welcoming language • Value community input, but have final decision makers • Understand that helping others betters the whole community • Solicit and listen to feedback • Keep an eye out for bad actors
13. @xoMiaMoore Being a Good Citizen • Follow the rules • Assume the best of people • Show effort • Celebrate successes • Give to others freely
14. Thank You! Mia Moore @xoMiaMoore Developer Advocate, IBM Background image: https://catwithmonocle.com/ In-game assets © Nintendo