LinkedIn, the social platform owned by Microsoft, is well-known as a space for networking, professional development, and recruitment, boasting over 900 million users. To enhance user engagement, the company is now venturing into gaming.
TechCrunch has reported that LinkedIn is developing a new gaming experience inspired by the success of viral puzzle games like Wordle.
App researchers have uncovered code hinting at LinkedIn’s gaming endeavors. One concept involves ranking player scores based on their workplaces, with companies competing for top positions.
A spokesperson for LinkedIn has confirmed the gaming project but has not disclosed a launch date yet.
“We’re experimenting with incorporating puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn experience to add a bit of fun, strengthen connections, and potentially initiate conversations,” the spokesperson informed TechCrunch. “Stay tuned for more updates!”
The spokesperson emphasized that the images shared by the researcher on X are inaccurate. Any new information will be provided if available.
Microsoft, LinkedIn’s parent company, is a significant player in the gaming industry, generating $7.1 billion in revenue from its games segment last quarter, surpassing Windows revenue for the first time.
The LinkedIn spokesperson did not reveal Microsoft’s involvement in the LinkedIn gaming initiative.
Games consistently rank among the top apps for mobile and PC users in terms of revenue and engagement, with puzzle-based casual games being particularly popular among mobile gamers. Non-gaming platforms have leveraged this popularity to increase traffic, a trend that predates the internet, seen in the enduring appeal of puzzles like crosswords in print media.
The New York Times, which acquired the game Wordle in 2022, reported that millions of players still enjoy the game, now part of a broader online platform offering various puzzles and games.
While some platforms heavily invested in gaming have seen mixed results, like Facebook shutting down its gaming app in favor of other experiences, LinkedIn has consistently introduced new features to cater to its audience, focusing on professional engagement and development.
