LINKEDIN, WITH 1 BILLION USERS, ENTERS THE $245B GAMING MARKET
LinkedIn, a well-known networking and professional recruitment platform with over 1 billion users, is entering the gaming market, valued at approximately $245 billion as of 2023, to enhance user engagement and interaction.
Recent reports confirm that LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, is developing a new gaming experience inspired by popular puzzle games like Wordle. Initial game concepts include titles such as “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb.”
App researchers have discovered evidence of LinkedIn’s gaming initiatives in its codebase. They observed experiments linking player scores to workplace affiliations, potentially leading to company rankings based on gaming performance.
According to a Techjuries report, the gaming market was valued at $245.10 billion in 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.94%. By 2028, it is expected to reach $376.08 billion, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of global entertainment.
While no official launch date has been announced for LinkedIn’s gaming feature, a spokesperson revealed, “We’re exploring the addition of puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn experience to add some fun, deepen connections, and stimulate conversations.”
Although Microsoft, LinkedIn’s parent company, has a significant presence in the gaming industry through Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax, the extent of its involvement in LinkedIn’s gaming venture remains undisclosed.
Games, particularly casual puzzle-based ones, hold considerable influence in mobile and PC app usage. Non-gaming platforms often leverage their popularity to increase user engagement, reminiscent of traditional puzzles in newspapers and magazines.
LinkedIn’s entry into gaming aligns with its ongoing efforts to integrate popular tools into its platform, catering to its professional user base. These efforts encompass online education, professional development, news operations, video tools, and influencer engagement, aimed at enhancing the platform’s relevance in the professional world.
Established in 2002 by Reid Hoffman and co-founders Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Lai, and Jean-Luc, LinkedIn aimed to revolutionize business-oriented online social networking.
Officially launched on May 3, 2003, LinkedIn initially provided members with free access to job listings, personal profiles, search features, and advertising opportunities. Within a month, it attracted 4,500 members.
Today, LinkedIn boasts over 1 billion active members across 200+ countries. Approximately 65 million job seekers use the platform weekly, while employers in over 230 countries rely on LinkedIn Talent Solutions for recruiting and sourcing talent.
Source: Techeconomy
