Discord has announced the upcoming launch of its Embedded App SDK, which will enable developers to create apps and games that can be played directly within the platform.
Set to launch globally on March 18th, the Embedded App SDK allows developers to embed apps in an iframe within Discord, effectively facilitating the creation of new ‘Activities’ that users can enjoy together.
“We want Discord to become the premier platform for developers to accomplish everything: build, share, distribute, get discovered, and monetize their creations,” the company stated.
“Our goal is for Discord to be the starting point for your app, a place where it can thrive within communities around the world, and be easily shared among friends.”
With this new SDK, developers will be able to create both traditional text-based applications and rich interactive experiences that can be instantly accessed within Discord voice channels.
To promote development, Discord is hosting an “App Pitches” contest that will award up to $30,000 in funding for the best Activity prototypes submitted by developers.
Alongside the new SDK, Discord is also testing a feature that allows users to add apps to their accounts for use across the platform, rather than being limited to individual servers. This new capability will be available for users to try starting March 18th.
“We want to make it easier for users to access apps, so we’re experimenting with a method that allows users to add apps to their accounts for use in various spaces throughout Discord,” the company explained.
These announcements reinforce Discord’s goal of becoming a premier platform for app and game development, distribution, and discovery, leveraging its strong presence within gaming communities.
Developers eager to start using the Embedded App SDK can find additional information on Discord’s Developer Portal when it launches on March 18th.