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discord

Your Discord Checkpoint is Rolling Out! Celebrate What You Did in 2025 (opens in new tab)

Discord has introduced "Discord Checkpoint," the platform’s first comprehensive year-end recap designed to provide users with a personalized summary of their 2025 activity. By analyzing data such as message counts and voice call duration, the feature offers a nostalgic overview of a user's digital footprint and social interactions over the past year. This initiative marks a shift toward data-driven user engagement, rewarding active community members with exclusive digital collectibles based on their usage patterns. **Accessing the Activity Recap** * The feature is rolling out globally over several days and requires users to be on the latest version of the Discord application. * Desktop users can find their recap by clicking the flag icon located in the top-right corner of the interface. * Mobile users can access the experience via a Checkpoint banner located within the "You" tab at the bottom-right of the screen. * Visibility is contingent upon having "Use data to personalize my Discord experience" enabled in privacy settings and meeting a minimum activity threshold. **Key Metrics and Personal Statistics** * The recap calculates the total volume of messages sent and the cumulative time spent in voice channels throughout the year. * Users receive a breakdown of their most-frequented servers and their most-used emojis. * The system identifies a "top contact," highlighting the individual user with whom the account owner interacted the most. **Personalized Rewards and Social Integration** * Upon completion of the recap, users are assigned one of ten distinct "Checkpoint cards" that categorize their year. * Each card unlocks a corresponding Avatar Decoration that remains available to use until January 15, 2026. * The feature includes a direct sharing toggle that allows users to post a summary card into text channels, though the data remains private by default if the user chooses not to share. To ensure you can view your 2025 Checkpoint before it expires, confirm that your privacy settings allow for data personalization and that your client is fully updated. If the Checkpoint does not appear, you may need to increase your platform activity for future recaps or check the Help Center for specific troubleshooting regarding data permissions.

gamificationuxdiscorddata-analytics+3
discord

Reward Your Play: Complete Quests. Earn Orbs. Get Sweet Stuff. (opens in new tab)

Discord has introduced Discord Orbs, a new virtual currency earned by completing specific Quests across both desktop and mobile platforms. These Orbs serve as a reward mechanism that allows users to accumulate a balance through platform engagement and redeem it for various digital goods. By integrating these rewards directly into the Discord Shop, the platform provides a clear path for users to earn premium features through active participation. ### Earning Discord Orbs * Users can acquire Orbs by participating in and successfully finishing designated Quests found on the platform’s Quest page. * The currency is available to users on both the desktop client and mobile applications. * The availability of Orb-earning opportunities varies based on the specific Quests currently active in a user’s region or account. ### Redemption and Shop Integration * Earned Orbs are stored in a "spherical stash" and can be spent exclusively within the Discord Shop. * Rewards include Orb-themed profile items and cosmetic decorations to customize user presence. * A notable high-value redemption option is the 3-Day Nitro credit, allowing users to access premium features for a limited time. * The currency can also be applied toward many existing favorite items already available in the standard Shop rotation. To begin collecting this new currency, users should navigate to their Quests page to identify which active challenges currently offer Orbs as a reward. This system offers a practical way for non-subscribers to test Nitro features or collect profile cosmetics through gameplay and platform activity.

gamificationdiscordcross-platformuser-engagement+2
toss

Creating the worst experience at Toss (opens in new tab)

Toss designer Lee Hyeon-jeong argues that business goals and user experience are not mutually exclusive, even when integrating controversial elements like advertising. By identifying the intersection between monetization and usability, her team transformed intrusive ads into value-driven features that maintain user trust while driving significant revenue. The ultimate conclusion is that transparency and appropriate rewards can mitigate negative feedback and even increase user engagement. ### Reducing Friction through Predictability and Placement * Addressed "surprise" ads by introducing clear labeling, such as "Watch Ad" buttons or specifying ad durations (e.g., "30-second ad"), which reduced negative sentiment without decreasing revenue. * Discovered that when users are given a choice and clear expectations, their anxiety decreases and their willingness to engage with the content increases. * Eliminated "flow-breaking" ads that mimicked functional UI elements, such as banners placed inside transaction histories that users frequently mistook for personal bank records. * Established a design principle to place advertisements only in areas that do not interfere with information discovery or core user navigation tasks. ### Transforming Advertisements into User Benefits * Developed a dedicated B2B ad platform to scale the variety of available advertisements, ensuring that users receive ads relevant to their specific life stages, such as car insurance or new credit cards. * Shifted the internal perception of ads from "noise" to "benefits" by focusing on the right timing and high-quality matching between the advertiser and the user's needs. * Institutionalized regular "creative ideation sessions" to explore interactive formats, including advertisements that respond to phone movement (gyroscope), quizzes, and mini-games. * Leveraged long-term internal experiments to ensure that even if an idea cannot be implemented immediately, it remains in the team's "creative bank" for future product opportunities. ### Optimizing Value Exchange through Rewards * Conducted over a year of A/B testing on reward thresholds, comparing small cash amounts (1 KRW to 200 KRW), non-monetary items (gifticons), and high-stakes lottery-style prizes. * Analyzed the "labor intensity" of ads by adjusting lengths (10 to 30 seconds) to find the psychological tipping point where users felt the reward was worth their time. * Implemented a high-value lottery system within the Toss Pedometer service, which successfully transitioned a loss-making feature into a profitable revenue stream. * Maintained user activity and satisfaction levels despite the increased presence of ads by ensuring the "worst-case experience"—viewing ads for no gain—was entirely avoided. Product teams should stop viewing business requirements and UX as a zero-sum game. By focusing on user psychology—specifically transparency, non-disruption, and fair value exchange—it is possible to achieve aggressive business targets while maintaining a sustainable and trusted user environment.

gamificationproduct-designuxad-tech+3
discord

Get More From Your Boosts With New Server Perks (opens in new tab)

Discord is introducing a fundamental shift in how Server Boosting works, moving away from a strictly linear leveling system to a more flexible, perk-based allocation model. This update allows server owners to spend community-contributed Boosts directly on specific features rather than waiting to hit the next milestone tier. By decoupling high-value perks from the traditional level structure, communities can now customize their server experience with greater precision and immediate results. ### Direct Perk Allocation * Servers can now utilize community Boosts in two distinct ways: contributing toward a global Server Level or bypassing levels to unlock specific features directly. * Perks remain active as long as the server maintains the required number of Boosts allocated to that specific feature. * This system allows servers with "extra" Boosts—those sitting between established Level tiers—to immediately put that value to use rather than waiting for the next level to be reached. ### Enhanced Role Styles * Unlocking this feature requires an allocation of 3 Server Boosts. * It provides administrators with the ability to apply animated, vibrant gradients to specific roles within the server hierarchy. * These styles are designed to add visual flair and help specific community roles or staff members stand out more prominently than standard color options. ### Server Tags * This feature requires a separate allocation of 3 Server Boosts to enable. * Server Tags give members a way to represent their server community across the broader Discord platform, extending the server's identity beyond its own channels. * If a community wishes to utilize both Server Tags and Enhanced Role Styles simultaneously, a total of 6 Boosts must be dedicated to these perks. To maximize the impact of these changes, server administrators should audit their current Boost counts to see if they can immediately activate these visual upgrades without losing current level-based benefits. For servers just short of the requirement, highlighting these specific, tangible rewards can be an effective way to rally the community for additional Boost contributions.

gamificationdiscordcommunity-managementserver-boosting+3
discord

Checkpoint 3: Leveling Up Discord Quests with Orbs and Advanced Measurement (opens in new tab)

Discord is scaling its Quests advertising platform by introducing a new virtual currency and expanding its measurement capabilities through a strategic analytics partnership. These updates aim to deepen user engagement while providing brand partners with more granular data on the return on investment for their campaigns. **Introduction of Discord Orbs** * Discord Orbs serve as a new virtual reward that users can earn by participating in sponsored Quests. * The currency is redeemable in the Discord Shop for a variety of digital goods, including Nitro credits and profile cosmetics. * Some Shop items will be designated as Orbs exclusives to drive participation within the Quests ecosystem. * The feature is currently rolling out to a select group of users to test integration before a broader release. **Enhanced Advertising Analytics with Kantar** * Discord has established a new partnership with Kantar to bolster the measurement framework of its advertising products. * This collaboration provides advertisers with advanced analytics tools to better track campaign performance and ROI. * The partnership is designed to validate the effectiveness of Quests as an advertising medium by offering third-party performance insights. These updates represent a strategic shift for Discord, transforming Quests from a simple engagement tool into a robust advertising product that rewards user participation with tangible platform value. Brands looking to reach gaming audiences should monitor the rollout of Orbs as a potential benchmark for gamified digital advertising.

gamificationdata-analyticsadvertising-technologymarketing-analytics+2
discord

Make More Closet Space! Nitro Members Can Now Keep Avatar Decoration Quest Rewards for Longer (opens in new tab)

Discord is updating its Quest reward system to provide Nitro members with extended access to earned avatar decorations, which previously expired after a standard two-month window. While all users will continue to receive a minimum of two months of use for any claimed decoration, active Nitro subscribers can now keep many of these rewards for longer, with some even returning from previous Quests. This shift transforms temporary participation rewards into a more permanent benefit for the platform's premium subscriber base. ### Extended Availability for Nitro Subscribers * Most avatar decorations earned through Discord Quests will no longer strictly expire after 60 days for Nitro members. * The specific amount of extra time granted varies between different decorations, with many remaining available as long as a subscription is active. * All Quest participants, including non-subscribers, are still guaranteed the initial two-month period to use their rewards. ### Subscription Requirements and Eligibility * The extension perk is exclusive to full Nitro members; those on Nitro Basic or Nitro Classic plans do not qualify for the extended time. * Users who are not currently Nitro members can subscribe or upgrade their existing plan to immediately regain access to previously collected Quest decorations that have "expired." * Not every decoration is eligible for an extension, as Discord determines availability on an item-by-item basis. ### Management and Returning Content * Discord is retroactively returning several previously available Quest decorations to the collections of eligible users who earned them in the past. * Users can verify the status and expiration date of their items by navigating to Profile Settings > Change Decoration and reviewing the individual item descriptions. * The update is currently live, allowing eligible users to re-equip old rewards or view new expiration timelines immediately. To maximize your collection, check your Profile Settings to see which legacy decorations have returned to your inventory and ensure your Nitro subscription is active to prevent future rewards from expiring.

gamificationdiscorddiscord-nitrosubscription-models+2
discord

MAJOR NEWS: DISCORD ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST IN-HOUSE AAAA VIDEO GAME, “THE LAST MEADOW” (opens in new tab)

Discord has expanded its ecosystem with the launch of Big Wump Games, its first dedicated in-house game development studio. The studio’s debut title, *The Last Meadow*, is a self-described "quadruple-A" adventure featuring the platform's mascot, Wumpus, on an epic journey across diverse biomes. This move signals a transition for Discord from a communication utility for gamers to a direct provider of interactive entertainment. ### Big Wump Games and *The Last Meadow* * The launch marks the debut of Big Wump Games, Discord’s internal studio designed to create original gaming content. * *The Last Meadow* follows the mascot Wumpus as they navigate a series of challenging environments, including perilous plains, desert cliffs, and frostbound forests. * The narrative focuses on a journey toward the fabled "Last Meadow," presenting a heroic quest tailored to the platform’s community lore. ### Platform Integration and Availability * The game is built directly into the Discord infrastructure and is accessible via the User Settings menu on the desktop application. * Discord provides a dedicated launch button to streamline access, emphasizing low-friction entry for active users. * This integration demonstrates Discord’s capability to host and run interactive "quadruple-A" experiences natively within its client. ### Limited-Time Rewards and Completion Goals * Players who finish the game by April 7, 2025, are eligible for exclusive digital rewards. * The completion prize consists of a limited-edition Avatar Decoration that can be used throughout the month of April. * This incentive structure aims to drive immediate engagement with the new studio's content while rewarding the platform's core user base. Users should log into the Discord desktop client and navigate to their settings to experience the game before the April 7 deadline to ensure they secure the exclusive profile cosmetic.

gamificationdiscordgame-developmentdesktop-app+1
discord

Wicked Saints Turns Players into IRL Superheroes with the Help of e.l.f. Beauty and Discord (opens in new tab)

Wicked Saints Studios has launched *World Reborn*, a pioneering interactive story game designed to translate digital achievements into tangible real-world social impact. Built by a team of peacebuilders and behavioral scientists, the platform leverages positive psychology to reveal players' character strengths through narrative gameplay and "Training Mods." The launch marks a new paradigm for brand-led missions where Gen Z players can improve their personal wellbeing while contributing to global social causes. **Behavioral Technology and Skill-Building** * The game is described as "Duolingo for saving humanity," using bite-sized interactive narratives to improve player wellbeing and relationships. * The platform employs behavioral technology to identify a player's natural "character strengths," encouraging them to apply these traits to day-to-day reality. * Mastery within the game is specifically designed to bridge the gap between digital entertainment and real-life skills, such as resilience and emotional regulation. * The project emerged from Niantic’s BDI incubator, utilizing the expertise of former senior engineers from *Pokémon GO*. **Brand-Led Social Impact Missions** * The platform features "Training Mods," which are real-world quests hosted by corporate and non-profit partners to tackle specific social issues. * Exclusive launch partner e.l.f. Beauty has developed quests focused on building confidence in young girls and supporting Elite Women Athletes, featuring insights from WNBA star Aerial Powers. * Discord serves as the exclusive communications partner, hosting Training Mods centered on teen mental health, authenticity, and the use of gaming for stress reduction. * The Starlight Children’s Foundation provides a mission where players send words of encouragement to hospitalized children, using the story of a transplant survivor to foster empathy and connection. **Connecting with Gen Z Through Authenticity** * The platform targets the 13–24 demographic, noting that 87% of Gen Z play games at least once a week. * By moving beyond traditional advertising, brands can connect with Gen Z through the social spaces and authentic interactions they already prioritize. * The game leverages the social infrastructure of Discord to help players form communities around their unique strengths and gameplay experiences. **The Multi-Disciplinary Development Team** * Wicked Saints is a Black female-led studio backed by major industry players including Riot Games and Reid Hoffman. * The leadership team combines an Emmy-award winning storyteller and international peacebuilder with a behavioral science researcher. * Creative talent for the project includes veterans from major franchises and productions such as *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*, *Love Death + Robots*, and *Marvel*. For organizations looking to engage younger demographics, *World Reborn* offers a scalable model for integrating corporate social responsibility directly into the gaming experience. The app is currently available on the Apple App Store for an initial eight-week limited run.

gamificationmobile-gamingsocial-gamingbehavioral-technology+3
discord

Checkpoint Reached: New Updates on our Quest to Connect More Game Developers with Players (opens in new tab)

Discord’s "Quests" initiative aims to revolutionize game advertising by creating a reward-based ecosystem that benefits both players and developers. Early performance data suggests the format is successfully driving deep engagement and player growth for major titles, signaling a shift toward more player-centric marketing strategies within the platform. ### Performance and Engagement Metrics * Participating campaigns have delivered a 16% lift in average playtime across integrated titles. * Developers have seen a 9% increase in average player counts during Quest periods. * Millions of players have already participated in the program, completing dozens of campaigns for high-profile games. ### Industry Adoption and Developer Benefits * The platform has successfully executed campaigns for major industry titles, including Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and World of Warcraft. * The format allows developers to engage audiences authentically by rewarding them for active gameplay rather than passive consumption. * By focusing on value-driven discovery, the system helps developers reach both existing player bases and potential new users. ### Future Expansion and Evolution * Based on early success, Discord intends to evolve Quests into a more robust pillar of its player-centric advertising model. * The platform is currently developing a new type of Quest format, which is scheduled to launch later this year to provide further variety in how players interact with games. Game developers looking to boost retention and acquisition should view Discord Quests as a high-conversion tool with proven efficacy in increasing session depth. As the platform prepares to introduce new formats later this year, early adoption provides a strategic opportunity to leverage Discord's massive user base for sustained player growth.

gamificationdiscordgame-developmentdata-analytics+2
discord

Find Wumpus in the WEBTOON Universes & Be Rewarded with a Nitro Trial (opens in new tab)

Discord and WEBTOON have partnered for a cross-platform promotional event where users must locate the Discord mascot, Wumpus, hidden within the digital comic *School Bus Graveyard*. By participating in this interactive scavenger hunt through the WEBTOON mobile application, readers can earn a one-month trial of Discord Nitro. This campaign bridges the two platforms by incentivizing comic readership through gamified engagement and digital rewards. ### Scavenger Hunt Mechanics * Participants are required to download the WEBTOON mobile app and navigate to the first ten episodes of the *School Bus Graveyard* series. * The interactive challenge involves scanning comic panels for hidden sightings of Wumpus; once spotted, users must click on the character to "report" the location. * The system tracks unique sightings, requiring users to find the mascot twice to qualify for the promotional reward. ### Rewards and Redemption * Upon successfully reporting Wumpus twice, participants receive a one-month trial of Discord Nitro. * The Nitro trial is versatile, offering users the option to apply the premium subscription to their own account or gift the code to an eligible friend. * This promotion serves as a customer acquisition tool for Discord Nitro, targeting the overlapping demographics of comic readers and gamers. ### Event Duration and Deadlines * The collaboration is a time-sensitive event with a clear window for participation beginning December 4, 2024. * All scavenger hunt activities and reward claims must be completed by December 25, 2024. * The three-week duration encourages immediate engagement from the community before the holiday deadline. To take advantage of this offer, users should ensure they are logged into the WEBTOON app while reading to ensure their progress is tracked accurately. Given the limited timeframe, interested readers should complete the first ten episodes early to secure their Nitro trial before the December 25 cutoff.

gamificationdiscorddiscord-nitromobile-app+2