LinkedIn, the social platform owned by Microsoft, has established itself as a hub for professional networking, knowledge acquisition, and recruitment, boasting a user base exceeding 1 billion. In a bid to enhance user engagement, the company is venturing into gaming.
LinkedIn is developing a gaming experience, capitalizing on the puzzle craze that propelled games like Wordle to viral fame, TechCrunch reported. Among the early game titles are “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb.”
A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed the project, stating, “We’re exploring the integration of puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn platform to add an element of enjoyment, foster deeper connections, and potentially stimulate meaningful conversations. Stay tuned for further updates!”
As a gaming powerhouse, Microsoft’s gaming division, inclusive of Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, raked in $7.1 billion in revenue last quarter, surpassing Windows revenues for the first time. The popularity of games, particularly puzzle-based casual games, among mobile and PC users underscores the potential of this venture.
Historically, non-gaming platforms have leveraged puzzles and games to drive user engagement, a trend that predates the internet era, evident in the popularity of crosswords and puzzles in traditional media.
LinkedIn has continuously experimented with new features to enhance platform utilization, focusing on aligning with popular trends while catering to its professional audience’s needs.