Is LinkedIn potentially considering entering the gaming industry?
LinkedIn, a social and networking platform owned by Microsoft, is venturing into the gaming world by introducing gaming features to its popular professional recruitment platform. According to reports from TechCrunch, LinkedIn is in the process of developing new gaming experiences inspired by the puzzle craze that propelled games like Wordle to fame, with titles such as "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb" among the initial projects.
The addition of puzzle-based games aims to inject some fun into the LinkedIn experience, foster deeper connections among users, and potentially spark new conversations. A spokesperson for LinkedIn expressed excitement about the initiative, indicating that more details would be revealed in the future.
Nima Owji, an app researcher, shared insights on social media, suggesting that LinkedIn might explore organizing player scores, possibly ranking companies based on their employees' gaming performance. With over a billion users globally, LinkedIn seeks to enhance user engagement and attract more users by integrating gaming elements into its platform, aligning with the thriving games industry.
While LinkedIn's spokesperson didn't confirm Microsoft's direct involvement in the gaming venture, Microsoft's stature in the gaming realm, particularly following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, underscores its potential influence. Games consistently rank among the top-performing apps across mobile and PC platforms, with puzzle-based casual games standing out as a popular category among users.
The success of puzzle games like Wordle, which was acquired by The New York Times in 2022, highlights the enduring appeal of such games. Even integrated into a broader platform of online puzzles and games, Wordle continues to engage millions of players worldwide.
LinkedIn boasts an extensive user base spanning over 200 countries, with approximately 65 million job seekers utilizing the platform weekly. Moreover, employers in more than 230 countries rely on LinkedIn Talent Solutions for their recruitment needs. As LinkedIn explores gamification to enhance its platform, it aims to further solidify its position as a leading professional networking and recruitment platform in the digital landscape.
Source: adapted from an article by Isa Muhammad, Staff Writer for PocketGamer.biz.