Developers will soon have the ability to create new games and apps that can be integrated directly into Discord’s chat app.
Discord users have had access to a variety of minigames and apps for some time. However, starting March 18th, all Discord developers will be able to utilize a new Embedded App SDK to create these unique embedded apps.
Discord has utilized its Activities feature to incorporate apps such as YouTube, highlight minigames like poker, and foster collaboration through a shared whiteboard experience. These applications are displayed as an embedded iframe within Discord, but they have only been available to a few developers up to now.
According to a blog post by Discord, many developers have been eagerly anticipating the ability to create their own Activities. From March 18th onwards, Discord Developers will have the opportunity to create fresh games and experiences that users can enjoy directly on the platform using the new Embedded App SDK.
The SDK will expand the Activities section of Discord to a wider range of developers, leading to an increase in the number of minigames available for playing within Discord chats. Discord stated their goal of becoming the ultimate platform for developers to create, collaborate, distribute, gain visibility, and earn from their work. Discord aims to be the starting point and home for your App within global communities, making it simple to share among friends.
Discord is currently testing a feature that enables users to add apps to their accounts for seamless use across servers. Developers can now activate their apps for accounts, and the experiment will start when the app SDK is released on March 18th.
Discord is reintroducing its app pitches, allowing developers to pitch prototype app ideas and potentially receive up to $30,000 in funding. In the past year, a few AI tools received funding, along with an app for artists, a coral reef cam app, and a city-building minigame.
These developer-focused enhancements arrive shortly after Discord’s announcement of a 17 percent reduction in its workforce. Discord is experimenting with new developer experiences to enhance user growth, such as collaborating with game developers to offer themed avatars and profile effects.
