ABSTRACT
This chapter provides only brief definitions of community management. Its main emphasis lies on discussing what it is not and where opinions diverge. The position is comparatively young and encompasses different tasks, responsibilities, and needs across industries and within gaming, as has no unified naming convention yet. The author wants to equip readers with the necessary knowledge of what they need to be prepared for, so that they can make an informed decision about whether it is the role for them. That especially applies to the role of social media management which is often merged with the community position in games, either for budgetary or practical reasons. Furthermore, it dispels the notion of community management being an entry-level position into the industry, from which you are expected to jump into more advanced and acknowledged roles. While it makes for a great starting point for some, it is a legitimate and worthy career for many. This is closely tied to the value great community managers provide for their companies, and the growing influence community building has on (digital) marketing strategies, which the chapter will briefly discuss.
