Emma Bodie-Smith
Playstack
With over 13 years of experience in marketing and communications across gaming, television, and the charity sector, Emma Bodie-Smith has built a career around storytelling, engagement, and bringing people together. As Community Manager at Playstack, Emma works across a diverse range of games, collaborating with talented developers, and engaging passionate communities.
Emma Bodie-Smith is speaking at the following session/s
Building Communities That Run Themselves
How do you build a thriving community from the ground up? What does it take to attract players, keep them engaged, and ultimately transition from a publisher-led space to a player-driven ecosystem?
Join Emma Bodie-Smith, Community Manager at Playstack, as she explores the community-building journey – from laying the foundation to allowing it to run itself. Using examples from Balatro and Abiotic Factor, Emma will discuss the strategy behind setting up community platforms that attract and retain players while paving the way for an organic, player-led future.
Learn how to build a community from scratch, including key tactics for attracting players and keeping them engaged through meaningful interactions and valuable content. Discover why it’s crucial to consolidate your audience early on by providing a central gathering space and how gradually relinquishing control leads to a more authentic, active community.
We’ll explore the benefits of stepping back, the challenges of sustaining player interest, and practical tips for navigating the transition from publisher to player-led spaces. Learn the signs of success – when fans generate their own content, keep conversations alive, and attract new players without your involvement.
Walk away with a fresh perspective on community building and the confidence to nurture a player-led ecosystem that supports your game and empowers your players.
Session Takeaway
- Learn how choosing the right platform and tools, early engagement tactics, and setting the tone play a role in attracting players to your community
- Discover how to build loyalty with consistent, meaningful interactions whilst balancing official announcements with organic contributions
- Explore the early signs of success when a community is ready to transition from publisher-led to player-led
Session speakers
