Originally launched in 2015 as a communication tool for multiplayer gamers, Discord has since transformed into a central platform for a diverse community of gamers, developers, and creators. The platform, which started with a simple mission to facilitate easier communication among gamers, has now become an integral part of the gaming and content creation ecosystem.
Anthony King, Director of Business Development at Discord, told PYMNTS that the company’s co-founders, Jason Citron (CEO) and Stan Vishnevskiy (CTO), saw an opportunity in multiplayer gaming, which they believed would become a major part of entertainment. “Back in 2015, we had a hunch that multiplayer gaming would be the future of entertainment, and that people would need a well-designed platform to communicate with friends while gaming,” King explained.
“Today, that hunch has become a reality,” he added, noting that Discord has continuously expanded its platform across devices, from PC to mobile, and more recently, to consoles, including Discord Voice chat on Xbox and PlayStation.
A New Era of Social Gaming
Discord’s growth has redefined what social gaming looks like. While its roots lie in text, voice, and video communication for gamers, the platform has expanded far beyond its original purpose. It now offers dedicated servers—both public and private—where users can connect over shared interests or activities, far from the advertising-driven models of traditional social media platforms.
What sets Discord apart is its commitment to user experience: the platform is ad-free, doesn’t sell user data, and focuses on fostering genuine connections. “Much of the culture of playing games has found its home on Discord,” King said. “Every day, we see trends in gaming or new game releases becoming hugely popular on our platform, reflecting the organic nature of the community.”
Discord’s primary goal is to connect users over shared experiences, but it has also evolved to support developers. “We’re seeing indie developers and AAA studios alike use Discord as a canvas for creativity and new forms of social gaming,” King added. Developers like FRVR and Playroom have leveraged Discord’s platform to create innovative games and activities that engage users in exciting new ways.
Empowering Communities and Creators
At the heart of Discord is the ability to customize and personalize interactions. Users can create tailored servers, automate tasks with bots, and assign custom roles to community members. This deep customization allows communities to form more meaningful connections. “Whether users are part of a small, private group or a large fanbase, Discord’s flexibility makes it easier for them to build a space that truly feels like home,” King explained.
Discord’s approach to engagement has always been about offering fun, meaningful ways for users to connect before, during, and after gaming. “Our platform is designed to deliver low-latency voice and video chats, making it feel like you’re playing in the same room together, regardless of how far apart you are,” King noted. Additionally, Discord has integrated an ecosystem of third-party apps, including Activities, that allow users to enjoy games and activities alongside their regular conversations.
The company has also embraced new features to incentivize user participation, such as paid Nitro memberships, Quests (which reward users for playing their favorite games), and a Shop where users can customize their profiles with avatars and profile effects. These tools help foster a sense of ownership and community among users.
The Social Gaming Boom
As social gaming continues to grow in popularity, Discord is increasingly positioned as a central hub for gaming communities. King observed that more players are seeking ways to interact with friends across different games, genres, and platforms. “More than 85% of players on Discord have a friend who plays the same games, which highlights how crucial connection is to the gaming experience,” King said.
A key example of Discord’s growing integration into the gaming ecosystem is its integration with Xbox consoles. “The addition of the Discord friends list to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One has made it easier than ever for players to find and connect with their friends,” King explained. This integration helps cement Discord’s position as an essential platform for multiplayer gaming.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Discord
So, what’s next for Discord? King shared that the company is focused on improving its platform to better meet the needs of its growing user base. “We’re working on updates to help users find their friends faster, ensure that connections remain reliable, and offer even more features to engage with before, during, and after gaming,” he said.
As social gaming continues to gain momentum, Discord is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming and social connection space, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its diverse user base. With a focus on user engagement, customization, and a commitment to privacy, Discord is more than just a communications platform—it’s a thriving social hub for gamers, creators, and developers alike.
