**LinkedIn Broadens Its Casual Gaming Offerings with a Fresh Widget**

LinkedIn — the site where professionals exchange insights on leadership while subtly declining salary increase requests — is intensifying its focus on casual gaming.

### **Simplified Game Access**
The application is rolling out a new games widget that allows instant access to word and logic puzzles directly from your homepage. Although LinkedIn first introduced its gaming feature in May 2024, this enhancement makes it even easier to play without opening the app fully. Aiming to compete with popular puzzles like *The New York Times*’ Wordle and Connections, LinkedIn seeks to enhance user engagement for extended durations.

Whether this strategy improves user retention or merely postpones job searches, the platform is relying on the allure of diversion.

### **Diverse Puzzle Game Selection**
LinkedIn’s [games page](https://www.linkedin.com/games/) currently features four distinct puzzles:

– **Pinpoint** – A word-association game reminiscent of Wordle.
– **Crossclimb** – A trivia-themed puzzle influenced by mini crosswords.
– **Tango** – A sudoku-like game that swaps numbers for symbols.
– **Queens** – A logic puzzle set on a grid.

### **New Widget Capabilities**
Scheduled to launch on Wednesday, the widget will automatically refresh to display your last played time and current streak. As noted by LinkedIn’s Director of Product, Lakshman Somasundaram, installation guidance will be accessible on the platform on the same day.

By integrating casual games more smoothly, LinkedIn aims to sustain user engagement—whether they are networking, searching for jobs, or simply seeking a brief mental respite.