LinkedIn, a platform predominantly known for professional networking, has introduced a surprising yet delightful feature: games.
These games, launched in May, consist of puzzles and word games that offer a quick yet satisfying mental challenge. Despite initial skepticism, they have quickly gained traction among users.
LinkedIn, a platform known for professional networking, surprisingly offers games that users can play. These games, released in May, consist of logic puzzles, word games, and word-association games. Contrary to initial skepticism, these games have garnered attention and playtime from users, even during their workdays.
LinkedIn’s games include ‘Queens,’ a logic puzzle; ‘Crossclimb,’ a word game; and ‘Pinpoint,’ a word-association game. Although opinions vary, ‘Queens’ is often favored for its engaging complexity. ‘Crossclimb’ is also well-received, while ‘Pinpoint’ is less popular but still offers a decent challenge.
LinkedIn’s foray into gaming seems inspired by the success of New York Times (NYT) games. The NYT Games app, as of December 2023, has seen more user engagement than its news app. It’s no surprise that LinkedIn wanted to replicate this model, given the growing trend of incorporating games into various platforms, including Apple News, Netflix, and YouTube.
For instance, completing a ‘Queens’ puzzle can refresh a person’s mind, making it easier to return to work tasks. This brief distraction can serve as a mental reset, especially after long periods of concentration on other activities.
On a neuroscientific level, gaming activates the limbic system, responsible for managing stress. Even simulated stressors can help the brain develop new neural pathways for coping with real-life stress. This is why brief, daily games like LinkedIn’s puzzles can become a part of one’s strategy for dealing with stress.
LinkedIn’s data shows that since July, there has been a 20% week-over-week increase in new player engagement. This suggests that users are increasingly incorporating these brief games into their daily routines.
While some might use this opportunity to ‘network,’ others, like the author of the original piece, find humor in simply messaging friends. It adds a playful element to the professional interactions that LinkedIn is known for.
As user engagement continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how LinkedIn further integrates these games into its ecosystem. For now, these puzzles serve as a delightful distraction and a testament to the versatility of online platforms.
LinkedIn’s introduction of games has added an unexpected yet enjoyable dimension to the platform. These games provide not only mental stimulation but also a brief respite from work-related tasks.
As user engagement continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how LinkedIn further integrates these games into its ecosystem. For now, these puzzles serve as a delightful distraction and a testament to the versatility of online platforms.
Source: Techcrunch