Discord (software)
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Discord Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | March 6, 2015 |
| Stable release |
v1.8.1 / January 31, 2017
|
| Development status | Active |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Type | VoIP communications and instant messaging |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | discordapp |
Discord (stylized as DISCORD) is a free proprietary VoIP application designed for gaming communities. Discord runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and in a web browser. In December 2016, the developers announced that Discord had over 25 million users.
History[edit]
Developer Hammer & Chisel, now called Discord Inc, moved from supporting their mobile MOBA game Fates Forever to creating Discord in 2015, releasing in May.[1][2] Gaining initial support and funding through YouWeb's 9+ incubator,[3] the company then raised funding through Benchmark capital and Tencent.[4] The developers aimed to create a program with low latency communication that incorporated what they considered as the best aspects of other VoIP software such as Skype and Teamspeak.[3]
The service was popularized by eSports and LAN tournament gamers, including popular users on the Twitch.tv streaming service and game communities like that of Star Citizen. The company, which shares the same name as the service, was founded by OpenFeint founder Jason Citron, who intends to keep the company independent.[5]
The company raised an additional $20 million USD in funding for the software in January 2016.[6]
Software[edit]
Discord runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and in a web browser, which all support fundamental chat-based text features. The Discord application for personal computers is designed for use while gaming, including features such as low-latency, free voice chat servers for users and a dedicated server infrastructure. Discord's developers plan to add video calling and screen sharing.[2] Direct calling was added in an update on July 28, 2016, with support for calls between two or more users. The company introduced its GameBridge API in December 2016 that allows game developers to directly support integration with Discord within games.[7]
While the software itself comes at no cost, the developers investigated ways to monetize it, with potential options including paid customization options such as emoji or stickers.[3] In January 2017 the first paid features were released with 'Discord Nitro'. For a monthly subscription fee users can get an animated avatar, custom emoji, an increase maximum file size on file uploads, and a unique profile badge.[8]
Reception[edit]
By January 2016, Hammer & Chisel claimed that Discord had been used by 3 million people, with growth of 1 million per month, reaching 11 million users in July that year.[6][9] As of December 2016, the company reports it had 25 million users worldwide.[7] In May that year, one year after the software's release, Tom Marks, writing for PC Gamer, described Discord as the best VoIP service available.[2]
Discord has also had a problem with abuse within chats, especially those related to religion.[10]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Tasos Lazarides (September 14, 2015). "Ex-'Fates Forever' Developers Making 'Discord', a Voice Comm App For Multiplayer Mobile Games". TouchArcade. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
- ^ a b c Tom Marks (May 14, 2016). "One year after its launch, Discord is the best VoIP service available". PC Gamer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
- ^ a b c Dean Takahashi (September 10, 2015). "Hammer & Chisel pivots to voice comm app for multiplayer mobile games". VentureBeat. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
- ^ Dean Takahashi (February 10, 2015). "Fates Forever mobile game maker Hammer & Chisel raises funding from Benchmark and Tencent". VentureBeat. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
- ^ James Brightman (January 26, 2016). "Jason Citron lands $20m for Discord". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
- ^ a b Alex Walker (January 27, 2016). "The Latest App For Third-Party Voice Chat Just Raised Almost US$20 Million". Kotaku Australia. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
- ^ a b Kerr, Chris (December 8, 2016). "Booming game chat app Discord intros in-game text, voice integration". Gamasutra. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Boost Your Account and Support Us With Discord Nitro". Discord Blog. January 23, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
- ^ Bryant Francis (July 8, 2016). "Game chat app Discord crosses 11 million registered users". Gamasutra. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
- ^ Menegus, Bryan. "How a Video Game Chat Client Became the Web's New Cesspool of Abuse". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2017-02-07.
