Gaming Clans [Part 2]: Benefits and Responsibilities
This is the second article in a series called “Gaming Clans”, where I talk about the purpose, benefits and responsibilities of being part of a clan, and whether you should join one.
If you’ve missed out in my previous article about the purpose of gaming clans, click here.
Being a member of a gaming clan has many benefits. Making friends, working as a team andplaying competitively are just a few of them. However, being in a clan also gives you a few responsibilities, especially if you progress up to a high rank.
The main and most important thing about clans is that you can have fun with the other members. Playing video games together and chatting over a voice chat program is a really good experience, especially if you work as a team. Teamwork in most multiplayer games such as Black Ops, Modern Warfare 3, League of Legends, DoTA and Starcraft is definitely a good thing. If you work together and communicate efficiently and effectively, your team can easily win in a public match.
Being part of a clan does have a disadvantage, and that is all the responsibilities you get. Once you’re in a clan, you may be required to wear the clan tag. With the tag in-front of your name, you can’t let the clan down or give them a bad name. You may also be expected to contribute by recruiting others and posting on the clan forums. When you get promoted to higher ranks like moderator or above, you have more responsibilities. You may need to moderate the clan forums, help out new members and organize matches and tournaments. Another common job is to moderate your clan server and ban hackers.
Being a high rank does not mean you have greater authority over lower ranked members. You may be able to tell members off if they break the rules, but it doesn’t mean you can threaten to kick them if they don’t do something you want. High ranking members that abuse their powers usually end up in members leaving and the clan dying.
On the positive side, you can establish good, strong friendships. If you know the members in real life, playing together can help strengthen the bond between you and your friends. If you met the members online, you can make new friends.
Being in a clan also means you are part of a group. If you’re an active member, then the clan is not complete without you. You’re expected to contribute to the clan and wear the clan tag with pride in the public. That is not a bad thing; in fact, it’s a good thing. Representing your clan well in public will be very rewarding for you and the clan members.
Overall, being a member of a gaming clan has its benefits. Certain responsibilities are placed on you, but they are not necessarily bad things, they can be turned into positives.
