The Microsoft-owned social media platform, LinkedIn, is venturing into a new era to increase user engagement: gaming. This unexpected move aims to strengthen the time spent by users on the platform by introducing interactive gaming experiences.
According to reports from TechCrunch, LinkedIn is making a new gaming feature using popular puzzle games, like Wordle, to attract lots of users. Some games they’re working on are called “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb.”
App researchers have uncovered traces of LinkedIn’s gaming initiative, hinting at potential features where player scores could be organized based on their respective places of work. This gamification approach might entail companies being ranked according to the performance of their employees in these LinkedIn games.
While a spokesperson for LinkedIn has confirmed the development of gaming features, no specific launch date has been disclosed. The spokesperson emphasized the aim to infuse fun into the LinkedIn experience, fostering deeper relationships among users and sparking engaging conversations.
LinkedIn’s parent company, Microsoft, boasts a significant presence in the gaming industry, with its gaming business, inclusive of Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, raking in substantial revenues. However, LinkedIn has not disclosed Microsoft’s involvement in its gaming project.
Gaming applications consistently rank among the most popular and revenue-generating apps across mobile phones and PCs. Puzzle-based casual games, in particular, enjoy immense popularity among mobile users. Non-gaming platforms have recognized this trend and sought to leverage gaming features to drive traffic and user engagement.
The introduction of gaming on LinkedIn represents the platform’s latest endeavour to enrich user experiences. Over the years, LinkedIn has introduced various features aimed at enhancing user interaction and relevance within the professional landscape. From online education initiatives to video tools and influencer collaborations, LinkedIn continues to evolve its platform to cater to the diverse needs of its user base.
