Discord has launched a new toolkit designed to help developers improve the social experience in their games. The Discord Social SDK, announced on Monday, is a free tool that allows game creators to integrate Discord’s social features into their games, making it easier for players to connect and communicate, whether they have a Discord account.
The toolkit offers a range of features aimed at enhancing multiplayer gaming. One of the key integrations is a unified friends list, which allows players to see both their in-game friends and Discord friends in one place. This makes it easier to stay connected, whether you are inside the game or chatting on Discord. The SDK also includes deep-linked game invites, allowing players to invite friends directly into their party or lobby with a single click.
Seamless communication across platforms
With cross-platform messaging, the toolkit enables players to stay in touch regardless of their device. Players can continue their conversations without interruption on desktop, console, or mobile. The SDK also allows developers to link in-game chat systems to specific Discord channels within their servers, making it easier to manage communication. Additionally, voice chat integration ensures players can talk to their friends while gaming, creating a smoother multiplayer experience.
Several game studios, including Mainframe Industries, Elodie Games, and Tencent Games, already use the Discord Social SDK to enhance their titles. By integrating these features, developers can improve player engagement and create a more connected gaming community.
Wide compatibility and future updates
The Discord Social SDK is compatible with popular development tools like C++, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Currently, it supports Windows 11 and macOS, with plans to expand to consoles and mobile devices soon.
With over 200 million monthly active users, Discord remains one of the most popular platforms for gamers. Players spend more than 1.5 billion hours each month playing games on PC alone, highlighting the demand for improved social gaming experiences. By providing developers with tools to integrate Discord’s social infrastructure seamlessly, the company aims to make multiplayer gaming more interactive and enjoyable.
