gaming

11 posts

discord

Gift Ideas for the Dedicated Discord User in Your Life (opens in new tab)

Discord’s holiday guide focuses on helping users select meaningful gifts for their digital friends based on their specific platform habits. By analyzing behaviors such as frequent streaming or extensive profile customization, the guide suggests both digital and physical ways to enhance the user experience. Ultimately, the goal is to provide tailored appreciation for the various ways people interact within voice and text communities. ### Identifying User Archetypes * Nighttime enthusiasts who spend significant time engaged in voice and text chat sessions throughout the evening. * Active broadcasters who utilize streaming features within voice channels to share their gameplay with friends in real-time. * Social power users who prioritize "Per-Server Profiles," allowing them to maintain a distinct identity and aesthetic across every community they join. ### Physical and Digital Gift Solutions * High-quality apparel, specifically hoodies, designed to provide comfort for users who spend extended periods at their desks during long gaming sessions. * Digital enhancements that support unique profile customization for those who value their visual presence across different servers. * Subscriptions or tools that cater to the needs of regular streamers and those who are frequently active in voice communications. To select the most appropriate gift, evaluate your friend's primary platform activity; those focused on social aesthetics will benefit most from profile-related upgrades, while those focused on long-form gaming will appreciate physical merchandise that adds comfort to their setup.

discord

How to Share What You’re Playing, Listening to, or Watching as Your Status on Discord (opens in new tab)

Discord utilizes a real-time status feature to let users broadcast their current activities, ranging from gaming on various platforms to streaming media. This functionality fosters community engagement by automatically updating a user's profile based on their active applications and connected services. While the system is designed for visibility, it includes essential privacy controls to manage what information is shared with others. ### Multi-Platform Activity Sharing * Automatic detection and display of PC and console titles currently being played. * Support for rich presence integrations that show music tracks being listened to or anime episodes being watched. * Real-time updates that notify the community of a user's current engagement without manual input. ### Granular Privacy Management * Global toggles within the user settings to enable or disable the "Display currently running game as a status message" feature. * Specific controls to hide individual games or applications from being broadcasted to the profile. * Customization options to ensure that only preferred activities are visible to friends and server members. To maintain a balance between social visibility and personal privacy, it is recommended that users periodically review their Activity Privacy settings to ensure they are only broadcasting the specific games or media they want their community to see.

discord

Discord for Business Vol. 2: Cannes-worthy ad product updates (opens in new tab)

Discord's debut at the Cannes Lions festival marks a significant strategic milestone in the expansion of its advertising business and brand partnership ecosystem. By championing an opt-in, community-first model, the platform aims to redefine how advertisers engage with a digital-native audience that prioritizes privacy and authentic interaction. The central conclusion from their industry showcase is that gaming has moved into the cultural mainstream, positioning Discord as the primary hub for audience influence and peer-to-peer communication. ### Strategic Advertising and Industry Partnerships * Discord is actively scaling its ad business by moving away from traditional intrusive formats toward a model based on user consent and community integration. * High-level panels featuring leadership from Xbox, Kantar, and Unilever underscore Discord's growing legitimacy as a critical platform for global brand strategy. * The platform’s evolution focuses on providing businesses with measurable opportunities to connect with high-intent users within their own social environments. ### The Mainstreaming of Gaming Communities * Gaming has transcended its niche origins to become a dominant cultural force, requiring brands to adapt to new methods of digital social interaction. * Discord serves as the "digital third place" where modern gamers talk, share content, and influence one another’s purchasing decisions in real-time. * The community-first approach allows brands to move past broad-reach tactics and instead foster deeper, more meaningful connections within specific interest groups. To effectively reach modern gaming audiences, brands should transition from traditional broadcast advertising toward community-centric engagement. Leveraging Discord’s opt-in framework allows companies to build long-term loyalty by participating in the authentic conversations already happening within these influential digital spaces.

discord

Staff Picks, May 2025: The Games That Brought Us to Discord (opens in new tab)

To celebrate its anniversary, Discord is hosting a retrospective featuring team members Christina, Emi, Jeremy, and Armando. The post reflects on the platform's growth and its deep-rooted history in the gaming community by examining the specific titles that first brought these individuals to the service. Through these personal stories, the platform highlights its evolution from a new communication tool into a central hub for long-term gaming communities. ### Community Retrospectives and Origins * The anniversary serves as a milestone to look back at the platform's evolution and the expanding "backlog" of games that have defined the user experience over the years. * Staff members recount the specific gaming experiences and social needs that served as their primary motivation for joining Discord during its early years. * The narrative emphasizes the platform's longevity and its role in facilitating social connections centered around shared digital hobbies. ### Current Gaming Trends and Recommendations * Beyond looking back at the past, the contributors highlight their current gaming habits and the titles currently occupying their time. * Specific mentions include the upcoming mystery-puzzle game *Blue Prince*, illustrating the diverse range of genres supported by the Discord community. * The post provides readers with new game recommendations to help celebrate the anniversary, bridging the gap between nostalgic origins and modern playstyles. As Discord marks another year, the focus remains on the intersection of communication and play. Users looking to participate in the celebration can do so by engaging with the team's curated recommendations or reflecting on the specific titles that first integrated them into the Discord ecosystem.

discord

Passing the Torch (opens in new tab)

Discord CEO and co-founder Jason Citron has announced his transition out of the chief executive role, moving into a position on the Board of Directors and acting as a strategic advisor. Humam Sakhnini, a veteran of the gaming and live-services industry, has been appointed as the new CEO to lead the company through its next phase of growth and its eventual transition into a public company. This leadership shift is intended to align Discord’s executive expertise with the demands of public market operations and large-scale business expansion. **Leadership Transition and Strategic Rationale** * Jason Citron will step down as CEO and move to a Board Member and Advisor role to focus on long-term strategy. * Humam Sakhnini is scheduled to officially begin his tenure as CEO on Monday, April 28. * The transition is framed as a proactive move to "hire out of a job," placing a leader with specific experience in public markets at the helm as Discord prepares for an eventual IPO. * Co-founder Stan Vishnevskiy and the existing executive team will remain in place to ensure continuity during the onboarding process. **Humam Sakhnini’s Industry Background** * Sakhnini brings over 15 years of experience in the gaming sector, specifically in scaling high-growth businesses and managing live services. * He previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Activision Blizzard, where he provided strategic guidance for massive franchises including *World of Warcraft* and *Call of Duty*. * He later led King (the creators of *Candy Crush*) as President, succeeding the original founders and overseeing the company’s growth and performance within the public market. * His leadership style emphasizes long-term value creation, collaborative creative environments, and a focus on the user experience. **Future Outlook and Operational Focus** * The company will continue to prioritize its core mission of connecting users through games while exploring and growing new business lines. * Leadership remains committed to maintaining Discord's culture of "giving a shit" about craft and customer experience while navigating more complex corporate milestones. * The transition aims to stabilize the platform’s infrastructure for hundreds of millions of users while building the financial and operational rigor required for a public listing. This transition marks a significant evolution for Discord as it moves from a founder-led startup to a mature organization eyeing the public markets. By installing a CEO with deep experience in the Activision Blizzard and King ecosystems, Discord is signaling a focus on professionalizing its operations and scaling its revenue models to meet the expectations of institutional investors.

discord

Staff Picks, April 2025: All The Adaptations (opens in new tab)

The upcoming month of April marks a significant milestone for video game media, with a dense schedule of high-profile film and television adaptations set to debut. This surge in content is framed through the perspectives of contributors Veronica, Cody, and Emi, who evaluate the success of past adaptations while identifying gaming intellectual properties that are prime for future screen transitions. ### April Adaptation Release Calendar * **A Minecraft Movie:** The sandbox phenomenon makes its big-screen debut on April 4th, representing a major cinematic expansion for the franchise. * **The Last of Us Season 2:** Following its critically acclaimed debut, the second season of the HBO series is scheduled to premiere on April 13th. * **Until Dawn:** The cinematic horror-adventure game rounds out the month with a theatrical film release on April 25th. ### Community Insights and Future Outlook * Contributors Veronica, Cody, and Emi share their personal favorite adaptations, highlighting the creative choices that successfully bridge the gap between interactive and passive storytelling. * The discussion explores untapped gaming franchises that possess the narrative depth and world-building necessary to succeed beyond the console environment. As the pipeline between the gaming and film industries continues to accelerate, viewers should monitor these April releases to see if they can maintain the high production standards set by recent genre successes.

discord

November Staff Picks: When One Door Closes… (opens in new tab)

As 2024 draws to a close, the holiday season provides a prime opportunity for enthusiasts to share their passion for gaming with friends and family. This initiative brings together a mix of veteran and new contributors to discuss their current gaming habits and offer guidance to those entering the hobby. By focusing on accessible recommendations, the group aims to help "Level 1" gamers find a welcoming entry point into the community during the transition to 2025. ### Seasonal Gaming and Newcomer Support * The end-of-year holiday period is framed as a strategic time for social gaming and discovering new titles. * A primary objective of the discussion is to facilitate "game discovery" for individuals who may be unfamiliar with the current landscape. * The content focuses on bridging the gap between seasoned players and beginners, ensuring that newcomers have a clear path to start their journey. ### Contributor Panel and Perspectives * The discussion features returning contributors Emi and Tyler, alongside two new voices, Veronica and Carlos. * The panel provides a diverse range of perspectives by sharing what they are currently playing to provide real-world context for their suggestions. * Specific attention is given to curated recommendations designed specifically for "Level 1" gamers to reduce the barrier to entry for the hobby. This seasonal look at gaming encourages experienced players to act as mentors, using holiday gatherings as a platform to introduce well-vetted titles to those just starting out. For the best results, consider the specific interests of your "Level 1" audience when applying these panel recommendations to your own social circles.

discord

Discord’s Headed to Tokyo! See What We’re Doing at TGS 2024 (opens in new tab)

Discord is traveling to Tokyo Game Show 2024 to demonstrate why its platform remains the premier communication hub for gamers across all genres and styles. From September 26 to September 29, the company will host an immersive experience at Booth 07-C03, inviting the global gaming community to connect in person. The presence underscores Discord's commitment to supporting international players and showcasing the platform's versatility within the gaming ecosystem. ### Event Logistics and Booth Location * Discord will be active on the TGS show floor for the duration of the event, from September 26 through September 29, 2024. * The official Discord presence is situated at Booth 07-C03. * The booth serves as a central meeting point for attendees to interact with the Discord team and learn about platform features. ### Interactive Experiences and Programming * Attendees can participate in hands-on gaming sessions, including matches of *Street Fighter 6* with friends. * The booth is designed around the concept of "Discordopolis," a virtual world that serves as the visual and thematic inspiration for the physical installation. * Visitors can collect limited-run "Discordopolis" newspapers, which provide background on the virtual world and the booth’s design. * Educational panels will be held throughout the event for users interested in deep dives into Discord’s technical and community-building capabilities. If you are attending Tokyo Game Show, stop by Booth 07-C03 to engage with the team, pick up exclusive physical media, and experience how Discord is evolving its features for the global gaming community.

discord

September Staff Picks: Mid-Travel Pitstop (opens in new tab)

As the summer travel season concludes, this post transitions from outdoor exploration back to indoor routines and gaming backlogs. It serves as an introduction to a collaborative discussion regarding the specific titles and experiences that kept the team engaged while in transit over the past few months. **Seasonal Transition and Backlogs** * The end of the US summer marks a shift from active travel back to professional and personal environments, humorously described as "gremlin caves." * This period is framed as an ideal time to assess progress on "Places to Visit" lists versus the completion of personal gaming backlogs. **Travel-Based Gaming Perspectives** * The post features insights from contributors Tracie, Matt, Emi, and Cody, alongside a new participant named Armando. * The discussion focuses on the viability and engagement of specific games when played in constrained environments, such as airplanes, trains, and the backseats of compact cars. For those returning to their desks after the summer break, these recommendations offer a look at which titles are most effective for maintaining focus during the unique challenges of long-distance travel.

discord

October Staff Picks: Monster Season (opens in new tab)

The blog post explores the common challenge of the "backlog monster," referencing the growing list of unplayed video games that many enthusiasts struggle to complete. It posits that the transition into the cooler autumn season provides the ideal atmosphere for players to finally confront and reduce these digital queues. ### Progress in Backlog Management * The narrative tracks the "monster slaying" efforts of recurring team members Emi and Alex as they work through their figurative piles of unplayed titles. * It frames the act of completing games as a seasonal activity, leveraging the "spooky season" vibes to motivate progress. ### New Perspectives and Recommendations * The post introduces two new contributors, Serena and Tyler, to provide fresh insights into the gaming landscape. * While the primary goal is backlog reduction, these new team members offer specific game recommendations that may paradoxically add new titles to a reader's collection. To successfully manage a gaming library, players should use the seasonal change as a catalyst to finish existing titles before integrating new recommendations from trusted community voices.

discord

Leveling Up Black Voices in Gaming (opens in new tab)

Discord is celebrating Black History Month 2025 by spotlighting the contributions of Black creators, developers, and communities within the gaming industry. Led by the Black and African American Movement (BAAM) Employee Resource Group, the initiative aims to foster inclusivity and recognize the profound impact of Black culture on gaming. Through these efforts, Discord highlights how diverse voices are essential to creating a more representative and welcoming global gaming landscape. **The BAAM ERG and Community Support** * The Black and African American Movement (BAAM) Employee Resource Group is driving this initiative by curating a selection of influential creators and innovators. * The focus spans the entire gaming spectrum, including competitive players, casual gamers, professional game developers, and community builders. * The initiative emphasizes the intersection of identity and representation, inviting the wider community to engage with experiences that honor the spectrum of Black involvement in tech and gaming. **Spotlighted Creators and Organizations** * Aurélia Durand: A French graphic artist who designed the event's header artwork, her work focuses on celebrating diversity, identity, and womanhood. * Black Girl Gamers: Founded by Jay-Ann Lopez, this organization advocates for diversity and inclusion while specifically amplifying the voices of Black women in the industry. * Brown Girl Gamer Code: Created by Brandii JaVia, this digital community supports women and femmes of color in both gaming and technology to ensure their stories and contributions are recognized. To support these efforts and help build more inclusive digital spaces, Discord encourages users to engage with these featured creators and explore professional opportunities through the company's career portal.