The ever-evolving digital landscape, LinkedIn has surprised users with an unexpected addition: games. Yes, you read that right—LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has entered the world of gaming. Since May, LinkedIn has introduced three puzzles: Queens (a logic puzzle), Crossclimb (a word game), and Pinpoint (a word-association challenge).
It may seem out of place, this move makes perfect sense in the context of the booming casual gaming industry. More people than ever are engaging in daily puzzles, thanks to the success of The New York Times’ games like Wordle. So, why are we hooked on LinkedIn’s games? And more importantly, what do they do to our brains? Let’s dive in.
Why Are LinkedIn Games So Addictive?
It’s no secret that people love quick, stimulating brain games. They provide a brief escape, offer a sense of accomplishment, and most importantly, trigger a dopamine rush—that feel-good neurotransmitter associated with rewards.
LinkedIn is capitalizing on the growing popularity of daily puzzle games, much like The New York Times did with Wordle. The strategy? Encourage engagement and keep users on the platform longer. According to LinkedIn’s data, new player engagement has increased by 20% week over week since July.
But it’s not just about keeping us entertained. There’s a deeper, scientific reason why we’re drawn to these games.
The Neuroscience Behind Playing Puzzles
Ryan Douglas, co-founder of DeepWell DTx, has studied the link between video games and mental health. According to him, playing short, engaging games can help our brains navigate stress by activating the limbic system. This part of the brain helps regulate emotions and handle pressure, and playing puzzles can train it to cope with challenges better.
“You start learning on a subconscious level, creating new neural pathways at an accelerated rate,” Douglas explains. “If you cope with a stressor in this particular environment, you’ve gained agency. You have control.”
In other words, these games aren’t just fun—they’re good for your brain.
Puzzles have also been shown to enhance cognitive functions such as problem-solving, memory retention, and strategic thinking. Studies suggest that engaging in such mental exercises can delay cognitive decline and even reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Furthermore, playing games like Queens or Crossclimb helps the brain shift between focused and diffused thinking, which can be beneficial for tackling complex problems at work. By stepping away from a task momentarily and engaging in a game, you may return to your work with a fresh perspective and renewed creativity.
How LinkedIn Games Fit Into the Bigger Picture
LinkedIn isn’t the only platform that has tapped into gaming as a user retention strategy. Apple News, Netflix, and even YouTube have incorporated games to keep users engaged. The New York Times has seen massive success with its gaming section, with users spending more time on the NYT Games app than on its news app.
It may seem odd to play games on a professional networking site, the strategy is clear: keep users engaged, spark conversations, and drive more time spent on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn has found that after completing a game, many users initiate new conversations with their connections. This gamification of networking subtly encourages engagement while keeping users coming back.
LinkedIn games serve another purpose: providing an outlet for work-related stress. With most users spending hours on professional networking, job searching, or skill-building, having a brief, enjoyable escape enhances the platform’s appeal.
The Psychology of Finite Games: Why We Love Them
Josh Wardle, the creator of Wordle, pointed out that people are drawn to games that don’t demand endless attention.
- “I’m kind of suspicious of apps and games that want your endless attention,” he said in an interview. “I think people have an appetite for things that transparently don’t want anything from you.”
- That’s exactly why we love finite games—those that give us a quick challenge, a sense of completion, and then let us go on with our day. LinkedIn’s games tap into that same psychological satisfaction.
- Unlike social media platforms designed to keep users scrolling indefinitely, LinkedIn’s games offer a contained, one-puzzle-per-day experience. This structure makes them feel more intentional and guilt-free, aligning with LinkedIn’s professional environment.
- The limitation of one puzzle per day also creates anticipation. Players return daily not out of addiction, but because they genuinely look forward to the challenge. This kind of controlled engagement prevents burnout while still ensuring users come back consistently.
- Fnite games provide a sense of accomplishment and closure that many endless games lack. The brain craves completion, and having a structured gaming experience helps fulfill that desire while avoiding the negative effects of prolonged screen time.
Should You Feel Guilty About Playing LinkedIn Games at Work?
Absolutely not! Playing these quick puzzles can actually boost productivity. Taking short breaks to engage in stimulating activities has been proven to increase focus, enhance problem-solving skills, and reduce stress.
Many professionals struggle with mental fatigue and creative blocks throughout the day. Games like Queens provide an opportunity to step away momentarily, refresh the mind, and return to work with renewed clarity.
Short bursts of engaging mental activities, like solving puzzles, have been shown to enhance learning and retention. This means that rather than being a distraction, LinkedIn games can make professionals more effective problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the LinkedIn Games?
LinkedIn recently introduced a series of puzzle and logic-based games like Pinpoint, Crossclimb, and Queens to engage users in a fun and intellectually stimulating way.
Are LinkedIn games actually fun?
Surprisingly, yes! While LinkedIn is mainly a professional platform, the games are well-designed, challenging, and rewarding—perfect for a quick brain teaser during breaks.
What types of games does LinkedIn offer?
LinkedIn currently features word puzzles, logic-based challenges, and number-based strategy games, all designed to test and improve cognitive skills.
Do LinkedIn games have any professional benefits?
Yes! Playing these games can improve problem-solving, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking, all of which are valuable workplace skills.
Are LinkedIn games competitive?
Somewhat! Players can compare scores with their connections, adding a layer of friendly competition and engagement within professional networks.
Can playing LinkedIn games help with networking?
Definitely. Sharing scores and discussing strategies with connections can serve as an icebreaker and open new networking opportunities.
Are LinkedIn games available on both mobile and desktop?
Yes, the games are accessible via LinkedIn’s website and mobile app, making it easy to play anywhere.
Do LinkedIn games affect my professional image?
Not necessarily. Engaging with these games in moderation can show off your cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills without seeming unprofessional.
Are LinkedIn games free to play?
Yes, they are completely free, and you don’t need a LinkedIn Premium subscription to access them.
Will LinkedIn add more games in the future?
It’s likely! Given the positive response, LinkedIn may expand its game offerings with new challenges to keep users engaged.
Conclusion
If you enjoy quick brain teasers and want a break from work, there’s no harm in playing LinkedIn games. Whether you’re solving a Queens puzzle or taking a minute to play Crossclimb, these games provide a fun, productive distraction.
- And who knows? Maybe you’ll even start a conversation with a colleague after completing a puzzle.
- So go ahead, play your heart out for a few minutes—and then, of course, get back to work.
