Building a welcoming eSports community is essential. How can you ensure gamers feel included and belong?

Building a welcoming community starts with respect and ends with respect. Clear and consistent behavioral and communication guidelines are most important, in-game and on community platforms. By fostering an environment where players appreciate each other's skills and perspectives, regardless of experience or background, it creates a space where everyone feels valued. Respect isn't just about rules and communication, it's about creating a culture where diversity is embraced. This foundation is key to encouraging positive engagement and building a strong esports community.

One thing I’ve found helpful is setting clear rules upfront. When everyone knows what’s expected, behavior improves naturally. But I also think just having rules isn’t enough. Respect has to be shown from the top down. When organizers and top players lead by example, others follow. I’ve seen this work in tournaments where they publicly recognize players who show good sportsmanship, like congratulating their opponents. It makes respect feel like a natural part of the culture, not just a rule to follow.

Encouraging teamwork really changes the vibe in esports. It’s not just about winning—it’s about communication and trust. I’ve seen events where even strangers come together as a team, and it completely shifts the focus. Outside of matches, when players share tips or help each other out, it builds a real sense of community. The connections made often last way beyond the event.

In esports, teamwork is crucial for success. It offers a platform to develop soft skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving. By fostering effective collaboration, teams create an environment for achieving goals. Soft skills are as important as technical expertise in the fast-paced esports & gaming industry. Learning clear communication, leadership and problem-solving, enhances the ability to work in team-driven environments. These skills are highly valued in the modern workforce, making esports experience valuable for career development. As digital and professional worlds merge, esports skills become relevant, equipping people for modern workforce challenges and demonstrating the value of esports in professional careers.

Diversity is essential in our society and also in esports, as it fosters the integration and recognition of our diverse cultures, religions and communities. By embracing gamers from all backgrounds, esports can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels well-respect. When underrepresented groups are given visibility and opportunities to succeed, it sends a strong message that esports is for everyone, regardless of their identity. Promoting diversity not only strengthens the community but also enhances creativity and innovation, driving the industry forward.

Diverse representation is key in making everyone feel welcome. When you see people from different backgrounds, genders, and experiences playing or organizing, it shows that esports is for everyone. I’ve noticed that when there’s diversity, it not only makes things more inclusive but also brings fresh ideas and styles of play. It’s not just about leveling the field—it’s about enriching the whole experience for everyone involved.

One of the most important parts, communication is about (community) and vise-versa, it has to be two-way. I often see big brands failed in hiring representatives or ambassadors for groups and discords, or unable to capitalize on their community feedback to improve next game updates or versions.

Open communication is a game-changer in esports. When people feel like they can speak up, ask questions, or share feedback, it creates trust. I’ve seen events where open chats or Q&A sessions with organizers made the whole experience feel more connected. Players and fans get to be part of the conversation, not just spectators. It makes everything feel more transparent and personal, which helps build a stronger, more engaged community.

Educational initiatives are indeed crucial in fostering a sustainable esports community. By providing workshops, tutorials and academic courses, these programs create a more stable and well-recognized environment for a better acknowledgment of esports. These programs support students in esports management skills, social media handling or event execution. It can also promote diversity and provide professional pathways. We provide this in our educational initiative in Asia and the Middle East. As the esports industry grows, investing in educational courses and initiatives will be crucial for creating a sustainable esports ecosystem.

Educational initiatives are key, and in Jordan, we’ve already started using platforms like Minecraft to promote learning. It’s a fun and interactive way to teach problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Incorporating these kinds of educational tools into esports events can help players grow not just in gaming but also in life skills. It’s not just about getting better at the game—it’s about learning in a way that’s engaging and meaningful.

Creating a supportive environment in esports is essential. It keeps players happy, attracts talent, and builds a loyal community. A positive space also draws sponsors and helps the industry grow sustainably. It’s about making everyone feel valued and excited to be part of something bigger.