LinkedIn may soon add gaming to its services: report

Microsoft-owned platform LinkedIn, primarily known as a job-seeking and networking platform, plans to add gaming to its services to boost engagement time.

According to a TechCrunch report, LinkedIn is developing a new gaming experience for its users and it will do so via puzzles and word-based games similar to Wordle. Three of its initial games are called “Queens”, “Inference” and “Crossclimb”, as per the report.

Games are seen to be among the most popular apps for mobile phones and PCs — both for revenues and engagement. Puzzle-based games have also come into the limelight, especially among mobile users.


A LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed the development to the news portal but did not comment on Microsoft's involvement in this initiative.

Also read | LinkedIn begins layoffs after Microsoft cuts jobs in Surface, Xbox, and HoloLens

Microsoft's gaming empire

At the Satya Nadella-led company, gaming has become one of the most important avenues of consumer business which includes Xbox, Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax. It has crossed $15 billion in annual sales, dominated by the Xbox brand.

Its revenue was $62 billion in the three months that ended in December, up 18% from a year earlier. Profit hit $21.9 billion, up 33%.

In January, Microsoft said it would cut 1,900 roles in its video game division. According to a staff memo from Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, the job cuts would impact staff at Activision Blizzard, the maker of hit games such as "Call of Duty" and "Guitar Hero," as well as at Xbox.