Professional networking platform LinkedIn is venturing into uncharted territory: gaming. Known for connecting professionals and facilitating job hunting, LinkedIn is now exploring puzzle-based games to increase user engagement.
This move comes as the Microsoft-owned platform, boasting over 1 billion users, seeks to keep users glued to the app for longer. TechCrunch confirmed LinkedIn's development of "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb," three initial puzzle games within the LinkedIn experience.
The inspiration seems to be drawn from the recent success of simple puzzle games like Wordle.
App researcher Nima Owji suggests LinkedIn might be experimenting with company rankings based on employee game scores, adding a competitive twist.BREAKING: #LinkedIn is working on IN-APP GAMES!
— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) March 16, 2024
There are going to be a few different games and companies will be ranked in the games based on the scores of their employees!
Pretty cool and fun, in my opinion! pic.twitter.com/hLITqc8aqw
A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed the project's existence but offered no launch date. "We're exploring adding puzzle-based games to make LinkedIn more engaging, foster connections, and potentially spark conversations," the spokesperson stated.
This foray into gaming aligns with Microsoft's dominance in the gaming industry. Microsoft's gaming division, encompassing Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, recently surpassed Windows revenue, highlighting the popularity of games.
The spokesperson declined to comment on Microsoft's potential involvement in LinkedIn's gaming project.
The strategy of integrating popular elements into the professional sphere isn't new. Newspapers and magazines have long used puzzles like crosswords to attract readers. Similarly, The New York Times' acquisition of the viral game Wordle in 2022 demonstrates the enduring appeal of puzzles.
However, social gaming success stories are mixed. Facebook, a pioneer in social gaming, shut down its standalone gaming app in 2022 due to declining usage. Their focus has shifted to mixed reality experiences with the Meta Quest.
LinkedIn has a history of experimenting with new features to enhance user engagement. Past efforts included online education, professional development tools, video integration, and attracting content creators.
This exploration of puzzle games signifies LinkedIn's ongoing efforts to adapt popular trends to the professional networking landscape.
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