Discord at 10: Expanding Beyond the Gamer Realm

Since its launch in May 2015, Discord has become synonymous with the gaming community, boasting over 200 million global monthly active users. With 93% of its user base identifying as gamers, it’s clear why the platform has carved out such a strong niche. However, as Discord approaches its 10th anniversary, the platform is determined to broaden its horizons and cater to a wider audience beyond just hard-core gamers.

The Shift in Focus

Discord has facilitated more than 1.5 billion hours of online gameplay, creating a significant impact within the gaming sector. Yet, as the platform matures, it recognizes the opportunity to invite new users, particularly those interested in various forms of “game adjacent” content. According to Peter Sellis, Discord’s Senior Vice President of Product, the platform initially prioritized its core gaming user experience over user-friendliness for newcomers. This decision, while beneficial to dedicated gamers, may present challenges for new users without a friend group or gaming experience.

“In onboarding people to Discord, if they do not have a friend group to play games together, their experience can be tough to understand,” Sellis explained in an interview at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. However, he also noted that once users engage with their friends on the platform, many remark, “Wait, this is the coolest thing ever.”

Targeting Casual Gamers and Beyond

As Discord seeks to grow its user base, it’s acknowledging the potential of casual gamers and those interested in adjacent entertainment. Sellis said, “When we think about who the next 200 million monthly active users of Discord are, we see a lot of them as people who play multiplayer games with their friends but don’t use Discord yet.” This newfound focus has led to exciting console integrations and improvements in mobile accessibility.

This shift towards the casual gaming market might include users who enjoy watching single-player games, such as “Balatro,” while socializing with friends online. The goal is to create an experience that feels akin to hanging out on a couch together.

Expanding into Fandoms and Creative Communities

Beyond gaming, Discord is also making strides in engaging with fandom-oriented communities. Sellis acknowledges that there’s a vibrant realm of interests that lie outside traditional gaming culture, including fan fiction, media discussions, and even platforms for displaying creativity around game-related themes.

“Things that may look and act like a game, but aren’t strictly a game,” are also part of Discord’s expanded mission. This includes genres like tabletop games, fantasy sports, and everything in between, where communication and community-building are essential.

A Focus on Intentional Multiplayer Experiences

Despite these expansions, Sellis insists that Discord’s primary focus remains on the “intentional multiplayer gamer.” There’s an acknowledgment that there are diverse types of gamers who might not have been adequately catered to in the past. “It’s a natural tool for them,” Sellis states, hinting at the company’s commitment to developing features and functionalities that meet these users’ needs.

As Discord embarks on this transformative journey, it’s clear that the platform values its roots in the gaming community while aiming to grow organically into wider areas of digital communication. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or just someone looking to join in on the fun—Discord is evolving to welcome you in.

Whether you’ve been a long-time user or are curious about what Discord has to offer, keep an eye on the evolving features that promise to create a more inclusive and engaging experience for everyone. The next decade could very well redefine how we connect online, both in gaming and beyond.

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