GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Live Service Games Summit: How To Survive Your First Launch: A Community Manager's Guide
Lynn Richter (Senior Community Manager, Velan Studios)
Location: Room 2006, West Hall
Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Live Service Games
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
Launching your first live game is an exhilarating and daunting experience for the entire development team, not just those on the front lines. In this talk, we’ll explore practical strategies to prepare for and thrive during the critical launch period. From building a proactive pre-launch plan to navigating the inevitable chaos of day one, I'll share insights on managing player expectations, fostering engagement, and turning feedback into actionable improvements. We'll also discuss tools and techniques for helping your team maintain their mental health and momentum through the unpredictable early days of live service. You'll leave this talk with a runbook of proven practices to ensure your team is informed, empowered, and excited as they embark on this shared journey.
Takeaway
By showcasing how community insights can guide marketing, development, and live operations, I will demonstrate the broader impact of effective community strategies on launch success. Attendees will leave with:
• A framework for preparing teams and communities for launch.
• Real-world examples and lessons from past launches.
• Concrete tools and techniques they can implement immediately.
Intended Audience
This talk is especially relevant to anyone who makes studio hiring decisions, live operations teams, marketing, and developers involved in the launch of live service games. By addressing both the tactical and cross-disciplinary aspects of the launch process, this session will prepare attendees to navigate their own launches with confidence.