LinkedIn to Add Games to its Platform to Increase User Engagement
LinkedIn, the Microsoft-owned professional social media platform, is reportedly planning to diversify its offerings beyond job searches and business networking. According to a report by TechCrunch, LinkedIn is working on adding games to its platform to increase user engagement. While several social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have already experimented with in-app games, LinkedIn is now joining the trend.
The report states that LinkedIn is developing several puzzle-based games for its app, with titles such as “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb.” A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed the company’s gaming plans, stating that they are exploring the addition of puzzle-based games to bring a bit of fun, deepen relationships, and spark conversations among users.
App researcher Nima Owji also discovered evidence of in-app LinkedIn games and shared screenshots on social media. These screenshots suggest that companies on the platform will be ranked in the games based on the scores of their employees. The games showcased in the screenshots include “Blueprint,” “Queens,” and “Crossclimb,” all of which appear to be puzzle-based.
While LinkedIn has confirmed its plans to offer games to its users, specific details about the number and genre of games that will be available on the platform have not been disclosed. It is possible that the games could be offered as part of LinkedIn’s premium subscription, which recently reached $1.7 billion in revenue in 2023 after the addition of AI tools to the platform.
LinkedIn’s Expansion Beyond Job Searches and Business Networking
LinkedIn’s decision to add games to its platform aligns with its goal of increasing user engagement and expanding beyond its traditional focus on job searches and business networking. By incorporating games, LinkedIn aims to provide users with a more diverse and enjoyable experience while also fostering deeper connections and conversations among its members.
This move follows the footsteps of other social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, which have successfully integrated in-app games into their platforms. These games have proven to be popular among users and have contributed to increased engagement and longer app usage.
The Potential Impact of LinkedIn Games
The introduction of games on LinkedIn has the potential to bring several benefits to the platform and its users. Here are a few possible impacts:
1. Increased User Engagement: Games have proven to be effective in keeping users engaged and spending more time on social media platforms. By offering games, LinkedIn can encourage users to visit the app more frequently and stay engaged for longer durations.
2. Strengthened Relationships: Games can serve as icebreakers and conversation starters among LinkedIn users. Engaging in friendly competition and discussing game strategies can help deepen relationships and foster connections within the professional community.
3. Enhanced Brand Exposure: If companies on LinkedIn are ranked in the games based on their employees’ scores, it could provide an opportunity for increased brand exposure. Higher rankings could potentially attract attention from other LinkedIn users and showcase a company’s talented workforce.
4. Premium Subscription Offering: LinkedIn’s premium subscription could be further enhanced by the addition of games. Offering exclusive access to certain games or providing additional features within the games could incentivize users to upgrade to the premium subscription.
Overall, the introduction of games on LinkedIn has the potential to transform the platform into a more interactive and engaging space for professionals. By incorporating puzzle-based games, LinkedIn aims to offer a unique and enjoyable experience while maintaining its focus on professional networking and career development.
