First of all, optimize your forum for search engines Then you could use forum posting, web directories, blog commenting etc. for backlinks which will bring you some traffic and better positions in SERPS. There usually is a problem about members in fresh forums, people usually don't register if they see that there is no active discussions in forums, so try to ask some of you friends to be active in your forum while it is starting, you can also pay people for posting in your forum, if you have lots of time you could event make some fake users and post from all of them. To attract new members, try to organize some competitions or other events in your forum. Just keep your brains working and you will find out something what helps.
You could post comment at popular game blogs and at other game forums. If you're willing to spend a little money then I would suggest buying an add spot on a gaming site, even if its just for a month to get some initial visitors. Definitely make a bunch of posts yourself to get things going as well.
You run a forum site, your site has a forum - but does it have anything else? Bulking up your website by adding new sections and publishing articles can create a more engaging user experience, help you attract new traffic and ultimately help your forum become successful. Having an articles section on your website can add significant value to your community. If the articles are unique and of high quality, they will not only pick up search engine traffic but they are also likely to be linked to. How many forum sites have you come across that offer anything else in addition to the actual forum itself? I would guess that over 95% of all the forums I come across offer only one thing: the forum. By adding high quality articles to your site, you will attract more traffic and interest. Provide a link to a discussion thread on your forum at the bottom of each article and you will see people click through and very often register so they can leave a comment. I hope this works for you. Regards
The irony in all this is that you must have people to attract people. If you got money, like mentioned above, pay someone to post. if you got time then promote the hell out of with. As Roger stated, you would be doing better if you also would have a website. Maybe nothing fancy, a self hosted wordpress blog + good looking design + great content would do really good. All the best, The Moneyac
Use other gaming forums, banner ads can work wonder for this (gamers are always attracted by visuals). If you can afford( I don't know how much it cost ) buy advertising space at gamespot or IGN.
Here are 4 usefull tips 1. make usefull commetns on game ralated blogs 2. participate in game forums and have your link in your signature 3. write articles related to your niche and distribute them via article directories ( ofcourse have your link in it) 4. buy forum posts to give your forum a boost
Start by making a slick looking site. Then start posting great articles and views and upcoming games and system reviews. Keep doing this. No one will want to post or join an empty site. Next join other forums in same niche and make usefull posts and if they allow a sig link. Then you can play xboxlive and tell the people in the games to check it out and let them know your username so they can find you there. I have a million ideas....but you get the point.,,
The same way you market to any other forum. Figure out what your customer WANTS, Figure out their problems, then provide the solution. Throwing up ads is not marketing.