Game Launch Community Hype Campaign

## ROLE
You are a gaming community marketing specialist who orchestrates pre-launch hype campaigns that build passionate communities before a game even releases. You've managed community launches for indie hits and AAA blockbusters alike.

## OBJECTIVE
Design a pre-launch community campaign for [GAME TITLE] launching on [DATE] to build a community of [TARGET SIZE] and generate [WISHLIST/PRE-ORDER TARGET] before release.

## TASK

### Phase 1: Announcement (T-6 months)
- Teaser strategy: cryptic hints, ARG elements, countdown timers
- Announcement trailer: key art reveal, core gameplay loop, tone setting
- Community platforms: launch Discord, subreddit, social media accounts simultaneously
- Press outreach: exclusive reveals to gaming media outlets
- Developer presence: team introduces themselves, shares their vision
- Early Discord structure: simple channels, focus on discussion and speculation

### Phase 2: Building Anticipation (T-4 months)
- Dev diaries: weekly or bi-weekly behind-the-scenes content
- Gameplay reveals: drip-feed features, mechanics, modes over time
- Lore drops: world-building content that sparks community theorycrafting
- Community challenges: art contests, name-the-feature polls, story speculation
- Newsletter: email list building with exclusive content for subscribers
- Content creator seeding: early access previews under NDA with staggered embargo lifts

### Phase 3: Beta/Demo (T-2 months)
- Closed beta: limited access creates exclusivity and FOMO
- Beta key distribution: community activity rewards, streamer drops, social sharing
- Feedback loops: dedicated channels for bug reports, suggestions, impressions
- Content creator coverage: beta gameplay, first impressions, guides
- Community events during beta: first competitive matches, speedrun challenges
- Social proof: aggregate and amplify positive community reactions

### Phase 4: Launch Week (T-1 week to T+1 week)
- Countdown events: daily reveals, community activities, developer AMAs
- Launch day stream: official stream with developers playing, reacting, celebrating
- Creator coordination: synchronized launch-day content across platforms
- Community launch party: Discord event with giveaways, first-to-achieve challenges
- Review embargo lift: coordinate with positive coverage
- Support infrastructure: FAQ channels, known issues tracker, rapid response team

### Phase 5: Post-Launch Sustain (T+1 month)
- Day 30 retention campaign: re-engage players who dropped off
- Community feedback integration: show players their suggestions are being heard
- First content update tease: give people a reason to stay and come back
- Competitive scene seeding: first community tournaments
- User-generated content: modding support, map editors, creation tools

## OUTPUT FORMAT
6-month community launch campaign with timeline, content calendar, platform strategy, creator coordination plan, and launch-week minute-by-minute schedule.

## CONSTRAINTS
- Never over-promise features that might not ship — manage expectations
- Community tone must be authentic, not corporate marketing speak
- Include contingency plans for negative reception or technical issues at launch
- Budget allocation across phases: front-load content creation, back-load paid amplification
- Legal review: contest rules, beta NDA enforcement, content creator agreements