The Games Community

com·mu·ni·ty n. pl. com·mu·ni·ties

1.  

   1. A group of people having common interests: the scientific community; the international business community.

2.  

   1. Similarity or identity: a community of interests.

   2. Sharing, participation, and fellowship.

If you are new to gaming then you'll not notice a community to start with, but give it time and you'll soon realise that there is more to gaming than just playing the game :).

Everyone knows what a community is. In times past a "community" would of been a small village, with the people in the village meeting each other from time to time. A community interacts with one another; it shares information, ideas, and similar interests.

An online community is exactly like that. and with LAN parties becoming more common, most gamers are now meeting each other face to face :).

Each game has it's own community, as does BarrysWorld. When a game comes out a number of gamers buy it and play it online. If there are any problems they help each other via forums, websites or IRC (Internet relay chat). Some may create new levels, or maps and give them out to fellow players. Regular players on game servers will remember each other and slowly but surely a community is built up.

BarrysWorld is a Games Service Provider (GSP) which means it hosts a number of game servers and features for players to use. A lot of gamers use it and from this a strong community has been formed. 

Tips on entering the community

You may only play the game online now and then and not be bothered with other gamers, but if you want to interact with them then here's a few tips. 

• Read what is on offer. For example if using the forums keep an eye on them for a day or two to see what is posted. Check the menu and see what's on offer.

• Be polite. Would you walk into a pub screaming and ranting? No, because you'll know the reaction would be hostile, whereas if you walked in and were polite you'll get a polite response.

Choosing a name / identity online 

When you first start out playing games online you will notice people using a wide range of 'nicks'. There are no rules when choosing a player nickname. If you have trouble thinking of one then think of films or books you may have read, and a name will pop into you're mind :).

If you want an idea of the names other players use then make your name = "Player" and join a game. Usually the players in the game will know your new (since player is the default name for most games), and you can see the types of names they use. Try not to copy someone else's name, and most of the basic names like "bob" are in common use so try to make your name original :).

What ever name you choose stick with it. Other players will see your name regularly on the game servers and after a while you'll be chatting to them, and building up a friendship.

Quick Links:

• BarrysWorld Forum - Meet the regulars. The forums are also a good source if your having any problems. 

• IRC (Internet Relay Chat) - Chat to other gamers. Follow the quick guide here to connecting to IRC.