LinkedIn Ventures into Gaming: Puzzle-Based Experiences on the Horizon

Tuesday 19 March 2024 - 14:30

In a bid to cater to the evolving engagement needs of professionals globally, the esteemed social networking platform LinkedIn is set to embark on a surprising venture gaming. As reported by TechCrunch on Saturday, the professional networking giant is delving into the gaming domain, capitalizing on the surging popularity of puzzle-based games such as Wordle, which have captured the interest of millions worldwide.

According to the report, early projects in development include games like "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb." App researchers have recently uncovered code suggesting ongoing gaming developments within LinkedIn's platform. Nima Owji, a blogger and app researcher, shared insights on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that LinkedIn is exploring a concept where player scores are tied to workplaces, potentially leading to the ranking of companies based on these scores. Owji expressed excitement, describing the endeavor as "Pretty cool and fun, in my opinion."

A spokesperson for LinkedIn, as cited in TechCrunch's report, confirmed the company's venture into gaming. However, no specific launch date has been finalized yet. "We're considering incorporating puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn experience to infuse a sense of fun, strengthen relationships, and hopefully catalyze meaningful conversations," the spokesperson disclosed. Nevertheless, they refrained from commenting on the extent of Microsoft's involvement, LinkedIn's parent company, in the gaming project.

Microsoft holds a formidable position in the gaming industry, with its gaming division, encompassing Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, achieving a staggering $7.1 billion in revenues last quarter, surpassing Windows revenues for the first time. Boasting over 1 billion users, LinkedIn has primarily served as a platform for networking, acquiring professional insights, and facilitating recruitment endeavors. The introduction of gaming experiences promises to inject a fresh dimension into the platform's offerings, potentially elevating user engagement and nurturing deeper connections within the professional realm.