All online gaming communities share several things in common. Most notably, they’re virtual hangouts for gamers hosted in an online community forum where people go to share interests and get more enjoyment out of the games they love.

Nonetheless, there’s often a disconnect between developers and their target audiences. This is often the case with some AAA studios that are accused of profiteering and failing to listen to their players.

Today’s organizations are more reliant on IT than ever before, which is why software development and support have become some of the most sought-after skills in the modern world. Whether it’s something as simple as a mobile app or a website or a much larger project, such as a fully cloud-enabled ERP infrastructure, software and its increasing role in business processes has become far more multifaceted than it once was.

There’s a constant need for ongoing support, regular updates and continuous improvement, and that means strong collaboration is now a priority.

We now live in the age of the customer, in which empowered consumers are shaping business strategies and enjoying more control over brands than ever before. At a time when anyone can post anything they wish on the internet, it shouldn’t take a branding expert to recognize the enormous impact this has on a company’s reputation and profitability.

Unfortunately, feedback won’t always be positive – even if you’re at the absolute top of your game and have an outstanding reputation. Every brand receives negative reviews on occasion, but this doesn’t have to spell disaster. Some of this feedback may appear on your community forums, which should already be a go-to resource for customer support and discussion around your brand.

Game developers and publishers commonly assume that bugs are behind most bad reviews. While game-breaking bugs are certainly a deal-breaker for your players, the most common complaints come down to game design issues.

The reason for this is that unlike bugs, which can be quickly patched, game design issues are more difficult to fix. Problems with the actual design of the underlying mechanics of a game, may cause players to wonder whether the game is doomed. This is a common criticism of titles that are released too early.

Sometimes, the internet seems like a sea of snake oil companies trying to scam others into buying their worthless products. This unfortunate reality of the internet has made us more vigilant and less trusting.

This is especially the case in B2B transactions, where prospective clients come looking for a solution to an important business problem.

Your prospects are looking for someone they can trust. While traditional advertising may help raise awareness, it’s no longer a driving force behind purchase decisions. Facing complex challenges and wanting to improve their own businesses, your clients are looking for recommendations from your other customers. They want social proof, and that’s where brand advocacy comes in.