Morning Brew offers quick and insightful updates about the business world every day of the week, from Wall St. to Silicon Valley. LinkedIn recently introduced three new games on its site: word games Pinpoint and Crossclimb, and logic puzzle Queens. These additions underline the current popularity of word games and puzzles, especially for publishers. To play these games, users can access them through a provided link. While it’s not easy to share scores, players can direct message them to former internship bosses. LinkedIn’s move towards digital media reflects the changing landscape of social media platforms.
The popular game Wordle, which was acquired by the New York Times in 2022 for a low seven-figure sum, was played over 4 billion times in 2023. This accounts for half of the total 8 billion times individuals played games through the NYT last year, according to Axios. Hearst, a media company, acquired indie puzzle creator Puzzmo in December. Despite LinkedIn’s reputation for hosting influencers sharing their success stories, the platform may still be considered cooler than other social media sites holding onto traditional features like the share button. In the first quarter of 2024, LinkedIn generated $119 million in mobile app revenue, surpassing both X and Snapchat combined, as reported by Appfigures.
The addition of games like Pinpoint, Crossclimb, and Queens on LinkedIn indicates a growing trend of integrating interactive and engaging content on social media platforms. The popularity of word games and puzzles showcases the demand for intellectually stimulating activities among users. With the ability to play these games directly on LinkedIn, users can engage in fun and challenging activities while also potentially connecting with their professional network. This move by LinkedIn highlights the platform’s evolution from solely being a networking site to a more dynamic and interactive space for users.
The acquisition of Wordle by the New York Times and Puzzmo by Hearst underscores the value of puzzle and word game content in the digital media landscape. These games have the potential to drive significant engagement and revenue for media companies, as evidenced by the high number of plays recorded for Wordle. By incorporating such games into their platforms, companies like LinkedIn are adapting to changing user preferences and expectations. This shift towards interactive and entertainment-focused content reflects a broader trend in the digital media industry.
As LinkedIn continues to expand its offerings beyond traditional networking features, it positions itself as a multifaceted platform catering to a diverse range of user interests. The platform’s success in generating substantial mobile app revenue demonstrates the viability of incorporating gaming and entertainment content into social media platforms. By tapping into the popularity of word games and puzzles, LinkedIn is able to engage users in new and innovative ways, potentially enhancing user retention and attracting a wider audience. As social media platforms evolve to meet the changing needs of users, the integration of interactive and engaging content like games may become increasingly prevalent.
Overall, the introduction of new games on LinkedIn highlights the platform’s commitment to offering diverse and engaging content to its users. By capitalizing on the popularity of word games and puzzles, LinkedIn is able to tap into a growing market of users seeking intellectually stimulating activities online. The success of games like Wordle and the high mobile app revenue generated by LinkedIn demonstrate the potential for social media platforms to incorporate interactive and entertainment-focused content to drive user engagement and revenue. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, platforms like LinkedIn are likely to continue exploring innovative ways to enhance user experience and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.