LinkedIn, Microsoft’s professional networking heavyweight, is known for its focus on career advancement, knowledge sharing, and recruitment.
But a surprising twist is on the horizon.
LinkedIn is confirmed to be developing a new gaming experience!
LinkedIn’s ‘game plan’
TechCrunch has the scoop: LinkedIn is embracing the power of puzzle-mania, working on games titled “Queens“, “Inference“, and “Crossclimb“.
App researchers like Nima Owji have also discovered code hinting at an intriguing concept: companies might even be ranked based on their employees’ gaming scores.
BREAKING: #LinkedIn is working on IN-APP GAMES!
There are going to be a few different games and companies will be ranked in the games based on the scores of their employees!
Pretty cool and fun, in my opinion! pic.twitter.com/hLITqc8aqw
— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) March 16, 2024
A LinkedIn spokesperson has also verified the gaming project, emphasizing the aim to “unlock a bit of fun, deepen relationships, and hopefully spark the opportunity for conversations”.
However, they offered no launch date, leaving us to anticipate the final product.
Why would LinkedIn introduce games?
Let’s dissect the possible motivations behind this unexpected move.
At its core, the addition of games is a clear strategy to boost user engagement. Games are inherently addictive; integrating them into LinkedIn could make people spend significantly more time scrolling through the platform.
Some speculate that LinkedIn might focus on games that promote networking and collaboration. This could create a more playful and casual space for professionals to connect and potentially open up new business opportunities.
And just like other social media platforms, like it or not, LinkedIn gathers valuable user data. Games could be another avenue to collect behavioral insights, further refining targeted advertising and recommendations.
LinkedIn’s gaming endeavor signals a potential transformation in how we view even the most seemingly business-focused social platforms.
Is this move a recipe for success or a gamble that could tarnish their professional reputation?
Only time will tell how this plays out, but one thing’s for sure: the world of professional networking just got a whole lot more interesting.
Featured image credit: Souvik Banerjee/Unsplash.
