[ post edited by Dunston ]

• Knowledge of the game industry. I came into this job with three years' experience of working behind the curtain for MMOs under my belt. This can be achieved by getting an entry-level position (such as GM) at a company and seeing what makes it tick. (The role of "armchair developer" may seem like similar experience, but honestly, you don't fully understand what you're dealing with until you work behind the scenes.)
  
• Decent writing skills. I can't stress this one enough. If you want to be a Community Manager, you have to know how to communicate effectively with the written word. I do more than simply post on the forums -- I write a lot of PR material, and I honestly wouldn't be able to function here if I didn't have the knowledge of writing that I do.
  
• A passion for games. In order to be a liaison, you have to understand both sides of the coin. Nothing helps that more than understanding where the player's coming from by being one yourself. If you know how love for a game can incite certain methods of expression, you can read past a lot of the hyperbole and get to the core issue of what people say a great deal faster. You can also communicate on a gamer's level (which isn't lower, mind, just different).
  
• Versatility. It doesn't hurt to bring some unique or different skills to the table in addition to writing and understanding. I am a middling artist, and my skills there came in handy a few times last year when we were in a tight spot. Being versatile makes you more attractive in general, particularly in the game industry -- being able to wear multiple hats is a plus.
  
• A thick skin. This is a given, but a lot more people think they can handle the load than those that actually can. It can often be a thankless job, and you're called all manner of names (and heaven forfend if your RL picture gets out :P). You have to be able to take that in stride and still keep a smile on your face. It's difficult.

[ post edited by Caydiem ]

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Q u o t e:
Thankfully no spelling skills are needed.

Im JP'ing Cay =)

it was an easy mark

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Q u o t e:
forfend \for-FEND\, transitive verb:
1. a. (Archaic) To prohibit; to forbid. b. To ward off; to prevent; to avert.
2. To defend; to protect; to preserve.

Learn something new every day apparently. And on the general forums to boot.

... Excuse me, I need to go find a nice comfy bunker to wait out the coming Apocalypse, the general forums just actualy taught me something I might use.

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