Our long-time readers may do not forget that final yr, we spoke about RAID: Shadow Legends’ Group Weeks occasion with Ihor Mishchenko, Director of the Group Administration Division. On the time, it was a brand new initiative for RAID, and the hope was that it might develop into an annual celebration of the sport’s group. And, as you have most likely guessed by the very existence of this text, it has develop into a yearly factor. Twice is a conventional, proper?
And so it appeared proper to talk with Ihor once more about what’s altering for this yr’s Group Weeks.
Hello Ihor, welcome again to Pocket Gamer! Throughout our final interview, you talked about you hoped the Group Weeks occasion might develop into an annual celebration. Now, it is again this yr! So, how did gamers react that made you determine you needed to do it once more?
Thanks, Stephen. It’s nice to be again!
The participant response final yr actually blew us away. From the extent of engagement to the sheer positivity throughout our platforms, it was clear the group resonated with being put entrance and heart of the occasion. We obtained a major variety of messages from gamers asking if it might return, which made the choice simple. It had actually was one thing significant for our gamers and for us.
How profitable have been the Group Weeks occasions in comparison with different campaigns you run all year long?
It was amongst our top-performing campaigns of the yr for us by way of engagement and sentiment. Whereas we run quite a lot of high-performing advertising and marketing and in-game occasions, this one actually stood out as a result of it concurrently made gamers really feel seen, valued, and celebrated, in addition to bringing an unbelievable gameplay expertise.
We noticed a transparent rise in dialogue and user-generated content material impressed by the occasion’s actions, extra creators getting concerned, and a rise in group participation throughout Discord, YouTube, and past. It confirmed us that once we shift the highlight to the group, gamers reply with enthusiasm, creativity, and loyalty.
Had been there any parts of those community-focused occasions which have made their approach into different RAID content material since?
Completely, although I need to say that it wasn’t precisely a shock. It felt extra like a strong affirmation of simply how a lot gamers worth visibility and private recognition. The community-focused actions we featured throughout Group Weeks actually struck a chord with them and with us.
That have gave us the readability and confidence that some of these initiatives really resonate with our group and have a significant affect. Since then, we’ve made a aware effort to extend the variety of community-focused actions all year long.
There have been fairly a couple of elements to the Group Weeks final yr. What would you say labored notably properly? Likewise, was there something that did not play out as deliberate that is been scrapped or tweaked for this yr?
Highlighting distinguished group achievements and personalities, together with the collaborative creation of a thematic Champion, was particularly impactful. We imagine it helped make the sport really feel extra private and gave our gamers a way of possession and delight. On the identical time, it strengthened the sense of connection throughout the group, and that’s actually the core goal of an occasion like this.
That’s why this yr, it’s develop into our foremost focus. A few of final yr’s actions, whereas well-intentioned, ended up being a bit too complicated or area of interest for a few of the mid-level gamers. So this time, we’ve streamlined the construction, made participation extra accessible, and added new interactive parts primarily based straight on participant suggestions. We expect gamers will really feel that distinction from day one.
Equally, is there something new on the schedule you may inform us about?
With out giving an excessive amount of away, sure!
Headlining this yr’s actions, we’re providing all gamers a brand-new Legendary Champion, Iudex Artor, who could be obtained without cost via a particular ‘Reward Calendar’ function that may run all through the occasion.
And identical to final yr, we’ve ready a shock for our group, one thing they’ll uncover within the second half of Group Weeks. We gained’t spoil the main points simply but, however it’s one thing recent, and we’re and we’re excited to see how the group responds. We see it because the cherry on high of this yr’s celebration.
Will the occasions happen over six weeks as soon as once more? Might you discuss us via the schedule?
This yr, we’re going with a leaner, extra targeted 4-week format, with significant content material and actions deliberate for every week. We’re kicking issues off with a group vote to determine one of many main in-game rewards. That’s adopted by our new Reward Calendar giveaway, with day by day login bonuses and a free Legendary Champion.
Halfway via, we’ll roll out gameplay perks like free gear removing and a particular occasion filled with numerous rewards, together with the soul of our thematic Legendary Champion, Iudex Artor. All through the occasion, we’ll proceed to highlight creators and group tales, giving gamers the popularity they deserve.
And to complete sturdy, we’ll wrap all of it up with a shock for everybody. It’s a shorter run, however it’s extra targeted, extra dynamic, and designed to maintain the momentum going from day one to the ultimate moments.
Are there any plans to create extra Group occasions all year long, or is the present plan to maintain it as an annual custom?
Whereas Group Weeks will stay our flagship group celebration, we’re actively exploring activations that assist construct stronger connections throughout the group.
Whether or not it’s themed contests, spontaneous shoutouts, or new experiences designed to convey gamers nearer collectively, the objective is similar. We need to ensure that gamers really feel seen, valued, and engaged, not simply throughout the massive moments, however all through the complete yr.
