I am kinda puzzled so I am looking for some suggestions. I started to a new gaming based web app project that will take around a few months to complete (give or take). Since I am the only developer out of a team of 3 people, I suggested that we start a forum community to get a community going so when the app is ready, we will already have members for the web app. My other primary reason is because I would have live beta testers for the app.
Now, I mentioned this to another group of people and they stated that it was a waste of time or wasn't worth it.
So would it be beneficial to start a forum or not have one at all? The plan is to invest money into the forum (for custom work) for branding and marketing reasons.
Having an official forum for the game could be a great idea, but getting it going nicely before stuff for the app is ready will likely be difficult. My suggestion would be to visit other gaming sites/forums and start talking about your ideas there. Be sure to check if the forum allows it before you create a thread for it, though. (Some may not look fondly on self-promotion, especially by a brand new account)
Once you start getting some interest and get closer to the beta, then that may be a better time to actually release its own forum.
I dont think it will be a good idea. Because to have members actively discuss on something they have no idea about isnt very likely. Maybe instead you can start one when the beta is ready to release. That will atleast fire the discussions and keep it going.
I remember a few years ago, when I accepted an invitation to join an Pokemon Fan-based browser RPG game, they only have a forums for their interested alpha/beta participants to discuss - the main game is still in development.
Well, I'd say that it will really benefit your game as your members will get to know each other before the game start. However, this only apply if you have time to develop the game and also manage the forums.
I don't think you should spend any money on the forums (for promotional purpose), a normal free open-source bulletin board software such as MyBB should be enough for an alpha/beta game discussion forums.
Once the game is released (be it public , alpha or beta) then you can start worrying about the features of your forums. Right now, as the only game developer in your team, I'd suggest you focus on the main game.
Unless you have a early access version of the game then what are people even going to talk about on your forum? Stick to doing your regular press releases and people will share / discuss it on their platforms as they see fit.
