LinkedIn aims to introduce gaming on its platform

LinkedIn, the social platform under Microsoft's ownership, has established itself as a hub for professional networking, knowledge acquisition, and recruitment, boasting over 1 billion users. In a bid to increase user engagement, the company is venturing into a new domain: gaming.

According to reports, LinkedIn is developing a new gaming experience inspired by the popularity of puzzle games like Wordle. Early prototypes include games named "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb."

App researchers have uncovered code indicating LinkedIn's work in this area. One concept being explored involves scoring players based on their workplace, potentially ranking companies based on these scores.

A spokesperson from LinkedIn has confirmed that the platform is indeed working on integrating gaming features, although an official launch date has not yet been disclosed.

“We’re exploring the incorporation of puzzle-based games into the LinkedIn experience to introduce some enjoyment, foster deeper connections, and hopefully stimulate conversations,” the spokesperson conveyed in a statement to TechCrunch. “Stay tuned for further updates!”

The spokesperson further mentioned that the images shared by the researcher on X are not the most recent versions.

(Update: Some updated visuals have now been provided, which are included below.)

It's worth noting that Microsoft, LinkedIn's parent company, is a significant player in the gaming industry. Last quarter, its gaming division, encompassing Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, generated $7.1 billion in revenue, surpassing Windows revenues for the first time.

Regarding Microsoft's involvement in LinkedIn's gaming project, the spokesperson declined to provide details.

Gaming consistently ranks among the most popular categories for both mobile and PC users, both in terms of revenue and engagement, with puzzle-based casual games being particularly popular among mobile users. Non-gaming platforms have historically leveraged this trend to drive traffic, a practice dating back to the popularity of puzzles like crosswords in newspapers and magazines well before the internet era.

The New York Times, which acquired the viral sensation Wordle in 2022, reported late last year that millions of users continue to enjoy the game, which is now part of a broader platform featuring various online puzzles and games developed by the newspaper.

While some platforms have intensified their focus on gaming with mixed results, Facebook, the world's largest social network, closed down its standalone gaming app in 2022 due to declining usage. The company is now placing greater emphasis on mixed reality experiences and its Meta Quest business.

Over the years, LinkedIn has experimented with various new features aimed at enhancing user engagement, with a focus on relevance to its professional audience and the world of work. These efforts have spanned online education, professional development, publishing, news operations, video tools, and the cultivation of creators and influencers.