Hey there, fellow RS Private Server visitor! Today we are going to talk about how small, medium, and big servers advertise to include more players in their community, and also about how smaller servers can stand out and make a name for themselves in a giant sea of different ideas. To clarify, when refering to large, medium or small servers in this article, we are talking about player count. Typically, a higher amount of players on a server means a higher amount of income for the development team to use for coding, marketing, graphical assets, and more. Furthermore, we are also going to divide the headings to simplify the readings.
Advertisement
RSPS administrators utilize various channels to showcase their creations, aiming to capture the attention of seasoned players seeking a fresh adventure. Prominent platforms like RuneLocus, dedicated RSPS forums, social media, and even community-driven platforms enable administrators to showcase their server’s highlights. Engaging descriptions, captivating visuals, and interactive previews become tools to communicate the essence of their servers, inviting players to explore and experience the world they’ve tailored.
Large servers (300+ players)
A very powerful tactic used by multiple large servers is to buy out content creators that perform the best. How this generally goes is that a bunch of content creator have made videos for the server, and the administration the moderates the influx of players. If there is a content creator that manages to attract a vast amount of players, it could be a good thought to sign a contract. In other words, the content creator will only provide content for one server as long as the contract lasts. This allows large servers to reduce the competition by not offering them the same opportunities.
Medium servers (100+ players)
One underrated method to use is word of mouth. A server that has a good amount of players, but not quite enough has the potential to use this. By keeping promises and communicating with the community, players can inform other players or clans they are part of to try the server. This can also work before the server reaches a semi-high player count, but it is difficult as it requires administration to split attention to communities beyond their own, e.g. to RuneLocus discord, where they may discuss and communicate a certain server.
Small servers (0-100 players)
Marketing a new or small server is difficult. As the community is not large, there may be a community with split decisions and can therefore lead the server in the wrong direction. However, most popular methods are usually the ones that are free, which larger servers do not rely on as much. These include sending messages in community discord, advertising on Reddit and incentivizing players to vote on toplists. To see some common methods for marketing, please see this tutorial.
Competition
Large servers (300+ players)
For well-established servers, competition serves as a call to adapt and evolve. While these servers have garnered a loyal player base, the influx of newcomers and innovative features on newer servers keeps them on their toes. This dynamic interplay compels older servers to refine their offerings, introduce updates, and continually engage their player communities to remain relevant and enticing. One example is Alora, that constantly pushes to replicate content and be the first to offer a new gaming experience but on a familiar playground, such as Tombs of Amascut and the Phantom Muspah. To read more about it from Omicron, the creator of Alora, please read this blog.
Medium servers (100+ players)
The key to make a name for yourself as a medium server is to stand out more than ever before. This is the perfect time to create a unique experience on your server that is not matched elsewhere, as it pushes players to stay and recruit others. Some servers accomplish this by introducing new content, e.g. taking seasonal leagues and implementing it as achievements, minor tasks or quests. Others do so by striving for gameplay balance, where players can feel proud in accomplishing their achievements.
Small servers (0-100 players)
For newer servers, competition functions as a double-edged sword. While it might seem challenging to stand out in a sea of options, it also drives innovation. To capture attention and secure a player base, newer servers often introduce content as, custom items, various new modes and experience rates, and creative gameplay mechanics. Competition incentivizes them to craft a captivating experience that resonates with players seeking something different then what existing servers have to offer.
Conclusion
To conclude, in the realm of RSPS advertisement and competition are the dual engines propelling the community forward. Through strategic marketing efforts, administrators craft digital tales that invite players to embark on unique adventures. Simultaneously, the fires of competition create innovative discussions and content, benefiting both newer entrants and long-standing server favorites. Whether you’re a player exploring new servers or an administrator striving for excellence, the symbiotic relationship between advertising and competition shapes the vibrant world of RSPS.
