Discord, a popular voice and video chat service primarily used by gamers, has decided to introduce ads to its platform as a way to generate revenue. This decision marks a significant shift for Discord, which has previously been known for its anti-advertising stance. The ads will appear in the form of “sponsored quests,” where game developers can promote their games to Discord users and their friends. Users will have the opportunity to engage with these quests while streaming games, offering rewards for completion.
The concept of sponsored quests is not entirely new to Discord, as the platform has previously collaborated with companies like Epic Games and Lucasfilm Games for similar promotions. By allowing developers to pay for sponsored quests, Discord aims to incentivize users to try out new games and deepen their engagement with the platform. In addition to sponsored quests, Discord will also offer sponsored profile flair in its shop, featuring themed collections inspired by popular games like Valorant.
The introduction of advertising on Discord comes at a time when the company is looking to boost its revenue streams. Despite attracting significant investment and a large user base, Discord has yet to turn a profit. The shift towards advertising may help improve the platform’s financial performance and pave the way for potential future developments, such as an initial public offering. While Discord has previously experimented with features like a game store, which was ultimately discontinued, sponsored quests and collections in the shop represent a new approach to monetization.
Developers who participate in sponsored quests on Discord hope to attract new players to their games by leveraging the platform’s streaming capabilities. When a sponsored quest is initiated during a gameplay stream, users can engage with the quest through Discord’s interface and earn rewards for completion. The interactive nature of sponsored quests enables viewers to participate in the challenges and potentially join the game session. The success of this advertising initiative will likely depend on how well it resonates with users and drives engagement.
Users on Discord will have the option to turn off sponsored quests in their privacy settings, although this feature may change once the quests are officially launched. While the exact details of how sponsored quests will function remain to be seen, Discord has indicated that they will be targeted based on a user’s gameplay, age, and location. By providing a more personalized advertising experience, Discord aims to enhance user engagement and drive interest in the sponsored content. The full implementation of sponsored quests is expected to roll out in the first week of April, offering users a new way to discover and engage with gaming content on the platform.
