In a bold move to diversify user engagement, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) owned LinkedIn, the professional networking behemoth, is reportedly stepping into the gaming world. This surprising pivot aims to blend business networking with entertainment, potentially reshaping the platform’s interaction dynamics.
What Happened: LinkedIn is venturing into the gaming arena, according to TechCrunch on Saturday. The platform, known for professional networking and recruitment, is developing a new gaming experience to increase user engagement.
The initiative includes games such as “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb,” drawing inspiration from the viral success of simple puzzle games like Wordle. App researcher Nima Owji unearthed code indicating LinkedIn’s plans, suggesting that games could feature leaderboards based on workplace performance.
A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch the gaming endeavors but did not reveal a launch date. They mentioned the goal is to introduce “puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn experience” to foster fun, and relationships, and spark conversations.
While the spokesperson declined to comment on Microsoft’s involvement in LinkedIn’s gaming project, it’s noteworthy that Microsoft’s gaming division recently outperformed its Windows revenues, emphasizing the company’s gaming prowess.