For a while now, Discord has been trialing the embedding of apps and games directly in chats through the Activities feature. As of now, the company is ready to introduce a specialized SDK for developers to partake in the chat-centered entertainment. The launch of the Embedded App SDK is scheduled for March 18th, enabling developers to craft experiences that are embedded within an iframe in Discord.
Discord
Expressing excitement about this development, the company stated in a blog post, “Plenty of Discord Developers out there have had their eyes on Activities, wondering when they could create their own.” Until now, these tools were only accessible to select developers. Presently, Discord users can engage in various activities like watching YouTube, playing poker, and sharing a whiteboard while chatting. With the introduction of the SDK, there will be a significant expansion in the range of shared experiences available. The big question now is, how soon before something like Doom makes an appearance?
The platform has also reintroduced app pitches, encouraging developers to propose app ideas and potentially secure funding of up to $30,000. In the previous year, Discord funded several innovative projects, including a coral reef cam, a city-building simulation, and an art portfolio app, among others. The possibilities for 2024 seem endless.
Discord
Furthermore, Discord has announced its exploration of technology that will enable users to add apps to their accounts, ensuring these experiences follow them across different servers. A beta version of this tool is set to debut alongside the SDK on March 18th. According to the company, users can expect to encounter apps within DMs, group chats, and small servers.
These recent updates follow a period during which the company underwent significant workforce reduction, affecting 17% of its employees. In response to this, CEO Jason Citron emphasized the importance of restructuring to position Discord for sustained growth and profitability. As part of this effort, Discord has recently unveiled a partnership program with game developers, offering themed avatars and various profile effects for sale.
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