LinkedIn has ventured into the gaming sphere, offering users a chance to unwind and engage in three games: Pinpoint, Queens, and Crossclimb. These games, accessible through the LinkedIn mobile app or desktop site, promise a daily dose of fun and mental stimulation.
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Pinpoint challenges players with word association, presenting five words for users to categorize within a given time limit. The goal is to guess the category using as few words as possible, testing the player’s vocabulary and quick thinking.
Crossclimb combines trivia and wordplay, tasking players with creating a ladder of words based on a given clue. Each subsequent word differs by just one letter from the previous one. Successfully arranging the words unlocks clues to guess the remaining entries, blending strategy and creativity.
Queens offers a twist on the classic Sudoku puzzle by replacing numbers with queens. Players must strategically place queens on a grid, ensuring no two queens touch each other and that there is exactly one queen per row and column. It’s a fresh take on a familiar concept, challenging players’ spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
LinkedIn’s foray into gaming reflects a broader trend among digital content businesses seeking innovative revenue streams. With traditional ad revenue declining and competition intensifying, gaming content presents a lucrative opportunity to attract and retain users.
The success of gaming subscriptions, exemplified by The New York Times, demonstrates the potential for revenue growth and user retention. Offering games as part of subscription packages encourages continued engagement and fosters a deeper connection with users, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty.
This trend extends beyond digital news organizations, as evidenced by Hearst’s acquisition of Puzzmo and Netflix’s expansion into gaming. By diversifying their offerings and embracing gaming, companies can enrich user experiences and drive platform engagement.
For LinkedIn, gaming represents more than just entertainment—it’s a strategic move to foster community and connection among users. By incorporating features like high scores, daily streaks, and leaderboards, LinkedIn aims to make networking more enjoyable and interactive.
As Lakshman Somasundaram, LinkedIn’s product director, notes, it’s about infusing fun into professional relationships and reimagining how we connect in the workplace. With gaming, LinkedIn hopes to spark new conversations, deepen existing connections, and ultimately, create a more vibrant and engaging platform.
