LinkedIn is launching three new games—Queens, Crossclimb, and Pinpoint—aimed at increasing user engagement by leveraging logic, trivia, and word association skills. These games are available globally and can be accessed via direct links or through LinkedIn News. Structured similarly to Wordle, the games are designed to be played once a day, allowing users to connect with first-degree contacts and share their status. LinkedIn, independent of Microsoft, views these games as tools to strengthen network ties and enhance user interaction on the platform. The initiative reflects broader trends where games are used by platforms to boost engagement and diversify user interaction.

In a strategic move to boost user engagement and provide innovative networking solutions, LinkedIn has officially launched three new games: Queens, Crossclimb, and Pinpoint. These games, available globally from today, aim to enhance the professional networking experience by testing users' skills in logic, trivia, and word association, respectively.

Queens, a game inspired by Sudoku, challenges players to strategically place crowns on a board without overlapping, promoting logical thinking and strategy. Crossclimb offers a trivia-based grid where players must modify one letter per word based on provided clues to form new words, testing their lexical agility and general knowledge. Lastly, Pinpoint, akin to the New York Times’ Connections, requires players to discover links between words, enhancing their associative thinking and vocabulary.



Dan Roth, VP and Editor-in-Chief of LinkedIn News, emphasized the value these games add to professional interactions. "Games are a fun and light-hearted way to help our users maintain connections within their networks," Roth explained. He highlighted that while the games are designed for casual interaction, they also serve a greater purpose in strengthening professional ties.

These games are integrated into the platform and accessible both through direct links and via LinkedIn News, the division responsible for their development. While they are currently independent of Microsoft's gaming operations, the in-house team at LinkedIn sees significant potential in further developing these interactive features.

Laura Lorenzetti, Executive Editor for LinkedIn in North America, addressed potential concerns about workplace distractions. "The games are intentionally brief and limited to one session per day to minimize disruptions while maximizing engagement," she stated. This approach ensures that the games are enjoyable without compromising professional productivity.

As LinkedIn continues to expand its content and engagement strategies, these games represent a novel approach to fostering user interaction on the platform. By blending the worlds of professional networking and interactive gaming, LinkedIn not only enhances user experience but also sets a new standard for engaging content in professional environments.