Professional networking platform LinkedIn is set to join the growing trend of non-gaming companies embracing the lucrative gaming market. With over a billion users, the Microsoft-owned platform is reportedly developing a new games experience, according to TechCrunch.
Initial games in development include “Queens,” “Inference,” and “Crossclimb.” A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed the plans, stating, “We’re playing with adding puzzle-based games within the LinkedIn experience to unlock a bit of fun, deepen relationships, and hopefully spark the opportunity for conversations.”
App researcher Nima Owji has also noted LinkedIn’s experimentation with gaming. However, LinkedIn has not commented on whether gaming giant Microsoft is involved in the project.
Microsoft’s Gaming Dominance
Microsoft boasts a thriving gaming business that includes Xbox and Activision Blizzard. Last quarter, the segment generated $7.1 billion in revenue. The company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023 significantly bolstered its gaming portfolio. Notably, 55 points of the last quarter’s revenue growth were directly attributed to the Activision acquisition.
Despite its success, Microsoft laid off 1,900 workers in its gaming division earlier this year, primarily affecting Activision Blizzard employees. Whether this will impact LinkedIn’s gaming endeavors remains to be seen.
Currently, no official launch date for LinkedIn’s gaming venture has been announced. The move highlights the expanding influence of gaming and the potential for new avenues within even traditionally non-gaming sectors.
