LinkedIn Launches “Mini Sudoku” to Boost User Engagement

New Delhi: LinkedIn has expanded its collection of in-app games with the launch of Mini Sudoku, a fast-paced, compact version of the classic puzzle. This marks the sixth addition to the platform’s gaming roster, designed to provide short bursts of entertainment while keeping users engaged between professional activities.

Mini Sudoku condenses the traditional nine-by-nine format into a six-by-six grid, allowing players to complete a puzzle in just two to three minutes. Despite the smaller size, the game retains the familiar challenge of ensuring that each row, column, and region contains all numbers without repetition.

The game is designed for quick play during work breaks, with difficulty levels starting easier at the beginning of the week and becoming progressively more challenging as the days go by.

The concept was introduced by LinkedIn’s product team in collaboration with professional puzzle creators. The goal is to offer members a simple yet stimulating mental workout that fits seamlessly into their daily routines.

LinkedIn executives have emphasized that the platform is not attempting to transform into a dedicated gaming network. Instead, the focus is on light, casual games that encourage social interaction, friendly competition, and repeat visits without distracting from the platform’s professional purpose.

When It Launched

The Mini Sudoku feature officially rolled out on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, becoming immediately available to users worldwide.

Where to Play

The game can be played directly within the LinkedIn app and on the platform’s desktop site. It joins the existing suite of casual games — including Zip, Queens, Tango, Pinpoint, and Cross-Climb — which are all accessible without leaving the platform.

Why LinkedIn Added It

The addition of Mini Sudoku reflects LinkedIn’s strategy of increasing daily engagement through short-form, interactive content. Casual games have proven effective in encouraging users to return more frequently, as they provide quick, satisfying activities that complement professional networking.

According to the company, these games have generated high retention rates, with many players returning daily or weekly to challenge themselves and track progress against friends and colleagues. Mini Sudoku, in particular, is expected to appeal to those who enjoy mental puzzles but have limited time to commit to longer games.

How It Works

The rules are straightforward: fill the six-by-six grid so that each row, column, and smaller region contains every number from one to six. Players can start with the day’s puzzle, which refreshes every 24 hours, and watch as the difficulty ramps up over the week.

The design focuses on clarity and ease of play, with intuitive controls for both mobile and desktop users. Players can also share results with their network, adding a social element to the experience.

A Broader Gaming Strategy

LinkedIn’s foray into in-app games began as a way to add lighthearted moments into the professional networking environment. By keeping the games short, non-intrusive, and mentally engaging, the platform encourages participation without disrupting its primary focus on career connections and industry discussions.

These daily puzzles also create opportunities for interaction among connections, as users compare scores and strategies. The competitive yet friendly nature of the games fits well with the platform’s ethos of professional growth and networking.

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