Discord’s management has unveiled the Social SDK, a set of tools that will allow developers to integrate the messenger’s social features directly into games.
Image source: Steam
The Social SDK will allow developers to implement friend lists, cross-platform messaging, game invites, text and voice chat – all without a Discord account.
As the company notes, a Discord account is not required to use in-game features, but those who wish will be able to link accounts for an “even more engaging experience.”
Image Source: Discord
Currently, the Social SDK is compatible with the C++ programming language, Unreal Engine and Unity engines, Windows 11 and macOS operating systems. Support for consoles and mobile devices is expected soon.
Several studios have already started working with the Social SDK, including the creators of Rust (Facepunch Studios), Splitgate 2 (1047 Games), Pax Dei (Mainframe Industries), Supervive (Theorycraft Games), Seekers of Skyveil (Elodie Games), and Delta Force (Tencent Games).
According to Discord co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy, the new integration could, for example, be used for a guild chat in an MMO, which would be available both in the game and in a separate app on a PC or mobile device.
Discord does not consider itself competitors of Steam and EGS: “We see ourselves as an addition to the ecosystem, from which everyone benefits. If it is easier for people to get involved in games, try new games, discover games through friends, then it benefits everyone.”