Kongregate Developers Blog

Bridging The Old And The New In The Kongregate Discord Server

For over 16 years, Kongregate has been more than just a gaming platform – it's been a virtual haven where millions have converged to play, connect, and forge lasting friendships. Our chat rooms and forums quickly emerged as focal points, acting as the vibrant heart of a thriving ecosystem. Central to our thriving community has been the players. From the weird and unruly Off-topic forums, to the lively #just-chatting room, we provided a space for users to share thoughts, stories, and laughter. Today, we’re guided by a steadfast commitment to have fun together, bringing that same spirit of togetherness to Kongregate through website updates, new games, and a growing Discord community.

Kongregate has embraced the changing gaming industry with an array of exciting updates. From the integration of Ruffle to ensure the seamless enjoyment of classic Flash games, to pioneering Web 3 projects that open new dimensions of interactivity, Kongregate keeps pushing boundaries with innovative strides. We’ve created fresh badges and adorable new Kongpanions to enhance gameplay. We’ve made a few of our own games and brought tons more from indie developers. And we’ve integrated Discord right into our website to amplify community connectivity– our players can once again chat on Kongregate.com while playing their favorite games.  However, one central challenge has emerged for our Community Managers: the harmonious coalescence of two distinct audiences.

Striking a balance between the beloved community of long-standing Kongregate players and the newcomers ushered in by these updates demands careful navigation. To navigate these challenges, our Community Managers work alongside trusted volunteer moderators and meticulously vetted Discord bots. This collaborative approach has ensured that our spaces remain vibrant, welcoming, and conducive to constructive interactions.

Our Community Managers have directed efforts towards fostering an inclusive space: where the spirited conversations of new found followers are enhanced by the expertise of long-time fans; where anyone can join in a classic forum game like connect-the-gifs or 1 word story; where off-topic regulars can gather and reminisce; and where treasured traditions are not only preserved but flourish. We're proud that our commitment to fostering a vibrant community has led to steady growth.

This journey is merely the beginning, a stepping stone towards a future where Kongregate continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive, all while keeping the essence of community and camaraderie intact. As our engineering team diligently works on ushering in a new era of technological enhancements, our Community Managers are hard at work ensuring that the Kongregate communities thrive – hosting player events, championing the Ruffle project, connecting players through Discord widget integration, and collaborating on video content and livestreams that bring the gaming magic to life.

Looking ahead, exciting updates lie on the horizon intertwining the old and new. You can anticipate revamped profiles and collections as well as an influx of new games, badges, and charming Kongpanions to enrich your experience. As these changes unfold, our Community Managers have a pulse on the potential impacts on our dynamic community and are planning out how to best provide resources that empower our players. The aim is clear: to reignite the flame of excitement for returning users, welcoming them back into a realm of nostalgia and innovation and, more than anything else, to have fun together.In the midst of these exciting transformations, we invite you to join us on Discord, follow us on social media, or subscribe to our newsletter. There, you'll find a trove of site news, game announcements, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and much more. Together, we embark on a journey that celebrates both the past that built us and the future that awaits.