LinkedIn, typically known for its professional networking services, has introduced a novel feature to its platform: games. Announced today by the Microsoft-owned company, LinkedIn aims to blend light entertainment with professional networking through the launch of three puzzle-oriented games.
The initiative comes after observant users noticed game testing on LinkedIn as early as March. The platform’s choice to integrate gaming might seem unusual given its business-centric reputation. However, LinkedIn executives explained in a recent blog post that these games are designed to foster increased interaction among users. According to LinkedIn’s Vice President, Daniel Roth, the goal is to “exercise their brains during a break and enhance connections through playful competition.”
The games, which are now accessible at linkedin.com/games, include Crossclimb, Pinpoint, and Queens. These games, which feature minimalistic graphics and are designed to be completed in just a few minutes, focus on intellectual challenges rather than fast-paced action. Crossclimb and Pinpoint revolve around trivia-based puzzles, whereas Queens is a logic game that involves strategically placing chess pieces on an 8×8 board.
LinkedIn users can participate in these games daily, compare scores, and engage with other users on the leaderboard, promoting a sense of community and light-hearted rivalry among professionals worldwide. This innovative approach by LinkedIn could redefine how users interact on the platform, making it not only a hub for career growth but also a place for intellectual leisure.
