LinkedIn has found a unique way to strengthen user retention by promoting daily engagement and adding a quick, brain-tzing puzzle in its platform. Professional networking site has introduced its sixth in-app game to users to return to the app.
The new puzzle is a scale-down version of Classic Sudoku, which has been developed in collaboration with Japanese puzzle publisher Nikoli and three-time world Sudoku Champion Thomas snider. Instead of the standard 9×9 grid, Mini Sudoku uses a 6×6 format that can be completed in only two to three minutes. This small format is aimed at the purpose of busy professionals looking for a brief mental break without distracting from work.
Laxman Somasundaram, senior director of the product at LinkedIn, emphasized the strategic intention behind the design of the game, stating, “We don’t want a puzzle on LinkedIn that takes 20 minutes to solve. We are not sports for sports.” The introduction of Mini Sudoku is part of the comprehensive strategy of LinkedIn to promote interactions through user engagement and casual gaming, which provides balance between productivity and entertainment.
The mini Sudoku Paheli becomes progressively difficult through the week, and each day comes from the snider with a small video, share tips and performs how to solve them. Known as the founder of “Dr. Sudoku” and Grandmaster Pazles, the snider has also contributed to the signal facility of LinkedIn, making the game accessible to both beginner and experienced players.
User Connection and Retention
Since the onset of in-app games, LinkedIn has seen significant user engagement. A spokesperson said that millions of users play LinkedIn games daily, which contains peak activity at 7 am. In particular, 86% of the users return the next day, and 82% play after a week. Sports have become a tool for promoting interactions between users and promoting connections, especially within professional networks.
An increasing part of LinkedIn’s strategy
Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2016, LinkedIn continued to expand his offerings beyond the job listing and recruitment equipment. With an individual video feed and other social characteristics, gaming initiative reflects a change in the direction of keeping users active on stage for more than work only.
Mini Sudoku’s launch confirms the approach to combining professional networking with moments of LinkedIn’s light entertainment, keeps users busy, connected, connected, and coming back for more.
