Discord has been experimenting with integrating apps and games directly into chats through its Activities feature for some time.
Now, the company is launching a dedicated SDK for developers to partake in this chat-based entertainment. The Embedded App SDK is set to roll out on March 18, enabling developers to construct experiences embedded within an iframe within Discord.
In a blog post, the company stated, “Plenty of Discord Developers out there have had their eyes on Activities, wondering when they could create their own.” Previously, these tools were accessible only to select developers.
Currently, Discord users can engage in activities like watching YouTube, playing poker, and sharing a whiteboard while chatting. The introduction of the SDK is expected to significantly increase the variety of shared experiences available.
Additionally, the platform is reintroducing its app pitches program, encouraging developers to propose app ideas and potentially secure up to $30,000 in funding.
Last year, Discord funded several innovative projects, including a coral reef cam, a city-building sim, and an art portfolio app, among others.
Finally, Discord announced that it is experimenting with technology to allow users to add apps to their accounts, enabling these experiences to follow them across servers. A beta version of this tool will be launched alongside the SDK on March 18. Users can expect to see apps integrated “within DMs, group chats, and small servers.”
These updates come just two months after the company announced a significant round of layoffs affecting 17 percent of its workforce. CEO Jason Citron stated that the cuts were necessary to position Discord “in the best position to continue building a strong and profitable business.” In line with this goal, the company recently unveiled a partnership program with game developers to offer themed avatars and various profile effects.
