Most of us have admired the customs of at least one of the many unique community customs projects on the site. There are many of them that cover many themes/genres. Whether it be aiming for canonical classic units, projects bringing your favorite cinematic universe to HS life, or a particular video game or book, or your favorite super heroes, there is surely a community project to fit your fancy. One great way to develop a reputation for being a contributor to the larger community is by offering your services to one of these projects.
Depending on what project you desire to be a part of, you may have to suffice yourself with a less involved role to begin with until you prove your commitment- and believe, these projects do require a level of commitment. Having been a part of a few of them, I can say however, that the commitment is well worth it. It isn’t just about having your name attached to a project. The camaraderie you develop with the other project members defies what you would think would be possible for friendships that exist almost exclusively online.
Being a part of a community project will also help the longevity of our game. As long as the community projects continue, interest in the game will continue. This is where the biggest impact comes in. You are helping this community, this website, and this game to continue through contributing to community projects.
It also provides you precious experience in developing a unit from the ground up with a group of people with experience whose input and practices can become a valuable asset for when you are designing your own personal units.
The different play testing methods I gleaned from my fellow SoV judges was invaluable to me for play testing my own customs. Being able to work alongside talented designers like
@
dok
and
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NecroBlade
(and many others) in C3V gave me new insight into unit design I would have been lacking if not for being involved in the project.
When you go it solo and the only insight you gain is from the comments of people in your own thread your design potential may be limited and the scope of your contributory impact may be as well. It is not to say you cannot have impact on the community and this is definitely not a “If you are not part of a community project what is wrong with you?” comment. I am not presently part of a community project because real life does not allow me (right now) to be able to devote the time needed to pull my weight in a community project.
So, please view this as a “If you want to maximize your design and impact potential and have the time, you should really look into joining a community project” post.
If you just aren’t able to be a part of a community project for whatever reason, you can still help them. How? Comment on their output. Offer them a quick word of encouragement when they release a unit(s). Let them know their work isn’t for nothing and that there are people out there who appreciate the volunteer time and effort they are putting into this game. You cannot overestimate the contribution that is to each and every community project going on right now!
Check out the various community projects and see where you can jump in at. I don’t know about all of the projects and their processes but I know the C3V can always use people to play test prospective units.
Let me add this well said caveat from Dad Scaper...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper
... I encourage readers to consider this only as something that builds on earlier entries in the series. If you cannot, or will not, exchange meaningful critical analysis with others, and if you do not have some competence actually playing the game, then banging on the door of the C3V (or HoSS, or whatever) will likely avail you nothing.
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