How the gaming company-turned-messaging unicorn is planning the transition to its next phase.
Discord is a company that has undergone many periods of change, from game developer to chat tool to communications and social media platform. Now, as the company potentially finds itself on the cusp of another evolution, we shine a light on the business, unpack its recent highs and lows, and attempt to forecast its path forward.
Originally conceived in 2012 as Hammer & Chisel, the company developed and launched a mobile-based MOBA called Fates Forever in 2014. It flopped, but the team had observed during the game’s development how difficult it was to communicate using voice over IP (VoIP) while playing competitive games. It pivoted to solve the problem, and the newly renamed Discord debuted in spring 2015. It would go on to build the number one platform for gamers to communicate while playing.
Discord has now transcended its gaming origins to become a versatile tool utilized by communities, businesses, and individuals worldwide. This new phase has seen the company grow rapidly, positioning it as one of just a few private companies in the games industry capable of testing public market interest.
Discord is one of few major communications and social media platforms to remain independent. After rebuffing an acquisition…
