LinkedIn’s introduction of gaming raises concern

According to the recent news, Linkedin is exploring a gaming element for its employment networking platform. The idea of introducing gaming to their platform is in order to attract more users and keep them engaged.

With LinkedIn's massive user base exceeding 1 billion across 200 countries has around 310 million active users. Unlike, other social media platforms, LinkedIn lacks fun elements to keep people hooked to its platform which it plans to change with this new addition.

Experts say, Microsoft could integrate gaming features directly into the LinkedIn platform, allowing users to engage in casual gaming experiences while networking or browsing professional content. This could include gamified challenges, quizzes, or interactive content related to professional development or industry topics.

Microsoft want to leverage LinkedIn's advertising platform to promote its gaming products, services, and events to a vast and diverse audience of professionals. This cross-promotion could help drive awareness and engagement with Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, including Xbox consoles, games, and gaming services like Xbox Game Pass. It is no surprise that LinkedIn will soon host several games on its platform.

LinkedIn's user data and targeting capabilities could enable Microsoft to identify and engage with specific gaming communities, such as game developers, esports enthusiasts, or gaming industry professionals. By curating relevant content and events tailored to these communities, Microsoft could foster deeper engagement and brand affinity among gaming audiences.

All it seems, LinkedIn is aiming to tap the “puzzle-mania” that helped games like Wordle — now owned by The New York Times — go viral. They believe that adding games will make the platform more fun and appealing to users, and will encourage them to spend more time on LinkedIn.

The extensive network of professionals makes it an ideal platform for recruiting talent in the gaming industry. Microsoft could leverage LinkedIn's recruiting tools and job posting features to attract top talent for its gaming studios, development teams, and esports initiatives. Additionally, Microsoft could use LinkedIn's learning and development resources to upskill professionals interested in careers in gaming.

As Microsoft wants to strengthen its position in the gaming industry and create meaningful connections with professionals worldwide, tech pundits believe that, this is a positive move, as it will make LinkedIn more engaging and help people to learn new skills. Others are concerned that games will be a distraction than productive and will take away from the professional nature of LinkedIn.