The puzzle creator, Snyder, describes the solving process as a conversation, where the solver follows a path of clues, akin to a trail of breadcrumbs in a forest, to reach a destination.
However, LinkedIn’s focus on games is not universally appreciated. Mitchell Tan, who operates a messaging service motivated by dissatisfaction with LinkedIn’s inbox, finds the existence of LinkedIn’s games frustrating. For Tan, the platform serves as a tool for securing business connections that lead to sales, but he finds navigating LinkedIn’s communication features unnecessarily challenging. Tan views the investment in games as a diversion from the platform’s primary business functions.
He criticizes games like Zip, playable on desktop using arrow keys, noting that these keys do not facilitate navigation in LinkedIn’s inbox. To Tan, this represents a misallocation of resources that neglects LinkedIn’s core users.
Tan questions the company’s priorities, emphasizing that the platform’s value is driven by professionals seeking business opportunities, rather than entertainment.
LinkedIn remains tight-lipped about specific engagement metrics for its games, only revealing that 830,000 people subscribe to its daily Games newsletter, and 84 percent of players return after playing. Whether games benefit LinkedIn’s overall services remains uncertain.
Snyder observes that real-life problem-solving can be disordered, whereas puzzles offer structured challenges with clear solutions.
Rubin views LinkedIn as a relatively unspoiled social media platform, appreciating that games do not disrupt the user experience. He describes the games as easy to engage with and quick to leave.
Thomas, a photographer, sees value in taking brief breaks during the workday through games, which offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Richard Liverman, a UK consultant known for his playful blog posts and Spotify playlists, has used LinkedIn’s category-guessing game Pinpoint to forge connections with over 200 users. Labeling himself the “King of Pinpoint,” Liverman believes the games lighten the networking experience, making interactions more enjoyable and engaging.
