Introduction to linkedin games
linkedin games When you think of LinkedIn, what comes to mind? Probably job updates, career advice, corporate buzzwords, and the occasional linkedin games humblebrag about closing a big deal or getting promoted. But something strange and unexpected has started happening on the world’s largest professional networking site — people are playing games. Yes, you read that right. LinkedIn is now home to games, and not in the traditional sense you might expect from your phone or console.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of LinkedIn games — what they are, how they’re being played, why they’re catching on, and what this trend could mean for the future of work, networking, and online professionalism.
What Are LinkedIn Games, Anyway?
LinkedIn games aren’t your typical Candy Crush or Fortnite clones. Instead, they represent a new type of engagement that blends social gaming with professional networking. In May 2024, LinkedIn quietly rolled out a series of daily puzzle games including Queens, Crossclimb, and Pinpoint — games that test your logic, language, and general knowledge skills.
These games are simple, browser-based, and have a familiar flavor — think New York Times’ Wordle or Connections. They’re designed to be played in just a few minutes a day, and they’re embedded directly into LinkedIn’s interface. That means people aren’t logging off work to play — they’re playing while staying right inside their professional network.
It might sound like a mismatch: games on a platform designed for resumes, recruiters, and business updates. But strangely, it works. And it’s not just a gimmick — it’s a subtle but strategic shift in how we think about engagement on LinkedIn.
The idea behind these games is to spark daily interactions among connections. Think of it as the professional world’s version of Wordle bragging rights — but instead of just sharing scores on Twitter, you’re sparking casual conversations with colleagues, clients, or even potential employers.
Why LinkedIn Games Are Gaining Popularity
So, what’s fueling the popularity LinkedIn games of these unexpected games on such a serious platform?
First, there’s the element of surprise. LinkedIn was, for years, seen as stiff and overly formal. But recently, the tone has been shifting. With more personal stories, light-hearted posts, and even memes creeping into the feed, people have started treating LinkedIn more like a community and less like a digital resume archive.
Enter LinkedIn games: short, smart, and perfectly designed to create micro-engagement moments without feeling like a distraction. You can play a round of Crossclimb in less than five minutes, share your score, and see how your network did — all without ever leaving the LinkedIn app.
Second, these games tap into the natural competitiveness and curiosity of professionals. If your colleague got a perfect score on Pinpoint, wouldn’t you want to see if you could match or beat it? And once you’ve played, why not shoot them a quick message? Suddenly, the game becomes a conversation starter — a lightweight but meaningful way to reconnect.
Third, these games are mentally stimulating without being time-consuming. They’re perfect for the mid-afternoon slump, offering a quick brain boost and a break from endless emails or meetings. Unlike traditional social media distractions, they feel just productive enough to justify.
The Social and Psychological Side of LinkedIn Games
Beyond just being fun, there’s a fascinating psychological and social angle to these games. They’re helping redefine what professional interaction can look like. In a world where remote work has limited face-to-face office chats, these little games become digital watercoolers.
Think about it: traditionally, LinkedIn interactions are very one-dimensional — “Congrats on your new role!” or “Great article!” These are fine, but often superficial. With LinkedIn games, people have something more engaging to talk about.
You might send a message like:
It’s not a sales pitch, a job ask, or a cold message — it’s a genuine, organic moment of connection. And from there, who knows where the conversation might go?
Also, these games are excellent for personal branding. Someone who regularly shares their scores or insights might start getting recognized not just as a skilled marketer or developer, but also as someone who’s smart, curious, and fun to talk to. It humanizes the profile, adds a layer of personality, and makes networking less intimidating.
LinkedIn’s Strategy Behind the Game Move
It’s easy to dismiss LinkedIn’s gaming move as a quirky experiment, but there’s clearly more to it. Microsoft (which owns LinkedIn) has long been interested in gamification — and this might be one of their cleverest implementations yet.
By introducing games, LinkedIn isn’t just boosting engagement — it’s subtly shifting its brand. No longer just a place for job seekers and recruiters, it’s becoming a daily habit. Something you check not just when you’re polishing your CV but when you’re taking a coffee break, looking for inspiration, or reconnecting with a peer.
There’s also a retention angle here. Games bring people back every day. The psychology of streaks and leaderboards is powerful. If LinkedIn can hook users into checking the app daily — not just weekly — that’s a major win for their engagement metrics.
Plus, consider the data aspect. While LinkedIn likely isn’t collecting detailed personal information through these games, it is learning how users engage, who they interact with, and what kind of content keeps them coming back. That’s valuable insight for refining algorithms and advertising strategies.
How Professionals Are Using LinkedIn Games Creatively
While most users are just enjoying the puzzles casually, some professionals are using LinkedIn games strategically and creatively.
Recruiters, for instance, are using games to screen for soft skills. A hiring manager might notice a candidate with a consistently high score in logic-based games and infer a level of analytical thinking. While it’s not a formal assessment, it’s another subtle signal.
Some companies are even using LinkedIn games as team-building tools. Remote teams might play a game together at the start of a virtual meeting or use a shared leaderboard to spark friendly competition. It’s a low-stakes way to build camaraderie, especially in distributed workplaces where shared experiences are harder to come by.
Marketers and content creators, meanwhile, are finding ways to incorporate games into their content strategy. You might see a post like:
That kind of post is playful, engaging, and invites responses — which boosts visibility in the feed.
The Future of Games on Professional Platforms
LinkedIn games are still in their infancy, but the early signs point to a long-term shift. As the boundaries between professional and personal digital lives blur, platforms like LinkedIn have to adapt. And gamification is a smart, user-friendly way to do just that.
In the future, we might see more advanced game mechanics introduced — maybe team-based challenges, industry-themed puzzles, or even AI-powered personalized brain teasers. Imagine a game that helps you prep for interviews or sharpen industry jargon while keeping it fun and interactive.
We could also see integrations with professional development. Picture a logic game that subtly teaches you Excel shortcuts or marketing metrics. You’re not just playing — you’re learning. That’s the sweet spot of edutainment.
There’s also the potential for gamified certifications. Complete a series of games tied to project management, for example, and earn a badge or endorsement. It’s not that far-fetched, especially in an era when micro-credentials and alternative learning pathways are gaining traction.
Conclusion:
Who would’ve thought that one day, you’d log onto LinkedIn — not to job-hunt, network, or read corporate think pieces — but to play a puzzle game? Yet here we are.
LinkedIn games might seem like a lighthearted detour from the platform’s traditional focus, but they represent something bigger: the evolving nature of professional identity. We’re no longer just our job titles and bullet points. We’re curious, we’re playful, we’re competitive — and platforms are starting to reflect that.
So next time you find yourself stuck in a boring Zoom meeting or need a break between emails, go ahead — open LinkedIn, and give Queens, Pinpoint, or Crossclimb a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it — and who ends up reaching out just to say, “Hey, nice score today!”
