Discord: The Underdog That Outshined Tech Giants in Online Communication ?????

Introduction

Hello, corporate professionals! In a world where big names like Microsoft and Google have poured billions into online communication platforms, Discord, a relatively small startup, has emerged as a favorite. Founded by a gamer, Discord has managed to capture the hearts of users, especially in the gaming community. Let's explore how Discord managed to outperform its Goliath competitors.

The Genesis of Discord: A Gamer's Dream ??

Jason Citron, the man behind Discord, had a passion for gaming from a young age. His love for technology and gaming led him to take computer science classes in middle school and even attempt to code a role-playing game with a friend at the age of 13. This early exposure to tech and gaming would shape his career path.

The Journey to Discord: From Aurora Feint to OpenFeint ???

Before Discord, Jason co-developed a mobile game called Aurora Feint. The game gained over a million users but wasn't profitable due to the lack of in-app purchases at that time. This led Jason to create OpenFeint, a platform similar to Xbox Live for mobile games. OpenFeint became a massive success, boasting 120 million users and supporting 7,000 games before being acquired by GREE for $104 million.

The Birth of Discord: Filling a Gap ??

While playing games like Final Fantasy XIV and League of Legends, Jason noticed the poor quality of in-game voice communication services. This led him to develop Discord, a user-friendly voice communication service with minimal impact on game performance. Launched in May 2015, Discord quickly gained traction among gaming subreddits, Twitch streamers, and eSports communities.

The Rise and Recognition: Investments and Valuation ??

Discord caught the attention of big names like Time Warner Cable, which invested in the company in late 2016. Microsoft also integrated Discord support into Xbox Live and even attempted to acquire Discord for $12 billion. However, Jason turned down the offer, and Discord recently completed a funding round at a $15 billion valuation.

The Challenges Ahead: Monetization and Profitability ??

While Discord has been a massive success, it faces challenges in monetization and profitability. The platform doesn't directly charge its users, which means its revenue per user is likely not that high. With constant funding rounds, it's clear that Discord needs to focus on becoming profitable.

Conclusion ??

Discord's journey from a small startup to a platform valued at $15 billion is nothing short of remarkable. It has managed to outshine tech giants in a saturated market, thanks to its focus on user experience and community engagement. As Discord looks to monetize and become profitable, it's a platform to keep an eye on.