The Game Developer Playbook, Part Two: Early Access and Pre-Launch (opens in new tab)

This guide outlines the transition of a game’s Discord server from a private feedback hub to a public community space designed for engagement during the pre-launch phase. It emphasizes that a server's purpose must evolve alongside the game's development to successfully foster a growing fanbase and inspire conversation. By restructuring permissions and utilizing specialized templates, developers can create an environment where even those without game access can feel connected to the project.

The Evolution of Server Roles

• Transition focus from private, early-stage feedback loops to a public-facing audience to drive community engagement.
• Utilize the pre-launch phase to establish a space where fans can share thoughts and learn about the game mechanics and world.
• Adapt the server’s architecture to accommodate different stages of game development, moving beyond the restricted access used in initial testing.

Technical Foundations for Public Communities

• Leverage Discord’s native Permission and Role systems to manage the influx of new public members and maintain organizational hierarchy.
• Refer to the Discord Mod Academy to ensure moderation standards are established as the community scales.
• Standardize the server infrastructure using core setup articles to ensure the technical foundation is robust before the game’s public debut.

Streamlining with Community Templates

• Deploy the specialized "Early Access/Pre-Launch Server" template to jumpstart community creation without manual configuration.
• Use templates to provide a proven structure for onboarding new players and organizing feedback channels.
• Establish clear communication pathways between developers and fans to ensure the server serves its purpose as a marketing and community-building tool.

Developers should treat the pre-launch phase as a critical period to audit their Discord infrastructure, moving away from closed testing groups toward a scalable community model. Utilizing the provided Early Access templates and Permission guides will help maintain order as the server shifts from a private development tool to a public-facing brand asset.