Starting a gaming community sounds exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. You’ve probably faced the challenges: not enough members, low engagement, or struggling to keep things organized. The good news? You’re not alone, and we’ve got the perfect guide to help you overcome these obstacles.

Whether you’re trying to bring gamers together or keep the hype going after the first few events, our step-by-step guide will show you how to build a successful FUTA game community on WhatsApp. With our tips, you'll be able to recruit the right members, host engaging events, and create a space where gamers stay active and connected. Let’s get started!

1. Identify your Focus (Your WHY and purpose of the community)
2. Set up your WhatsApp Group (Name, description, image)
3. Establish Group rules
4. Recruit members (social media, flyers, etc.)
5. Host regular events (weekly, monthly etc.)
6. Foster Engagement (memes, polls, daily tips etc.)
7. Expand beyond WhatsApp

Let's dive into each and how to go about them:

1. Identify Your Focus

Before diving into creating a group, it’s crucial to define the purpose of your community. Is it centered around casual gaming, esports competitions, or a specific game genre? Having a clear focus will help you attract the right members and keep the group’s activities aligned. For example, if you’re targeting Efootball or CODM, make that the focus in your messaging.

2. Set Up Your WhatsApp Group

Creating the WhatsApp group is easy, but setting it up for success takes planning. Here’s how:

• Group Name: Choose a catchy and relevant name, like “FUTA FIFA Champs” or “FUTA COD Warriors.”
• Group Description: Include a clear description that explains the group’s purpose, rules, and goals. You can say something like, “This is a community for FUTA gamers to connect, share tips, and organize tournaments.”
• Profile Picture: Use an appealing logo or graphic to represent the group. If you don’t have design skills, you can use free tools like Canva to create one.

3. Establish Group Rules

A thriving WhatsApp community needs structure to avoid spam and off-topic discussions. Some rules to consider:

• No spam or self-promotion unless it’s related to gaming.
• Be respectful of all members.
• Stay on topic — only gaming discussions are allowed.
• Organize your messages by using game-specific threads when possible.

You can pin these rules in the group’s description or share them as a welcome message to new members.

4. Recruit Members

Once your group is set up, it’s time to grow your community. Here are some strategies to bring in members:

• Spread the Word on Campus: Use flyers with the community details and what gamers would get. Don't forget to include your WhatsApp group invite link.
• Leverage Social Media: Post on Twitter, Instagram, or FUTA-related Facebook groups about the new gaming community. You can also use hashtags like #FUTAGaming or #FUTAGamers to attract attention.
• Partner with Other Communities: If there are existing clubs, tech hubs, or gaming-related groups in FUTA, reach out and ask them to share your group invite with their members.

5. Host Regular Events

Keeping members engaged is key to a successful community. Hosting regular events like game nights, tournaments, or Q&A sessions with pro gamers will give people a reason to stay active. You can also:

• Create a gaming calendar with upcoming events.
• Offer small incentives, like gaming gift cards or FUTA-branded merch, for tournament winners.
• Encourage members to suggest new events and games to explore.

Check out our blog on a simple guide to organizing successful online tournaments for FUTA Students​

6. Foster Engagement

Beyond events, encourage daily or weekly discussions to keep the group lively. Some ways to spark conversations:

• Post daily gaming news updates, tips, or memes.
• Ask members to share their in-game experiences or achievements.
• Create polls to gauge interest in new games or topics.
• Start discussions around trending gaming topics like the latest esports matches or game releases.

7. Expand Beyond WhatsApp

While WhatsApp is a great platform to start, consider expanding to other platforms once your community grows. You can create a Discord server for better organization or a YouTube channel to showcase tournament highlights, gaming tips, and more.

​

Conclusion

Ready to build your own FUTA Game Community? Start by setting up a WhatsApp group today, invite your fellow gamers, and let the games begin! Be sure to keep the conversation lively, and before you know it, you’ll have a thriving community of FUTA’s best gamers. Let’s level up together!

​

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Gaming at FUTA!

• Be part of something bigger—subscribe to our newsletter below for insider access to FUTA’s latest esports events, exclusive tournaments, weekly summary of Esports happenings on campus and gaming news that you won’t want to miss
• Follow us on Twitter and WhatsApp for instant updates, behind-the-scenes content, and sneak peeks at what’s coming next.
• Got a moment? Take our quick survey to tell us which games you’re into. Your voice helps us create a community built around YOU!

Let’s take gaming at FUTA to the next level!

Written by Abere Jesupemi, FUTA Esports Founder