Discord, the popular messaging and voice chat application, has introduced Discord Orbs, a new in-app currency designed to reward users for engaging with advertisers. The announcement was made in a blog post by Discord’s Product Senior Vice President, Peter Sellix, who revealed that the all-new program has begun its slow rollout to a small number of users today, with more expected to be added soon.
Discord Orbs are being integrated with the existing Discord Quests program, in which users can earn sponsor-unique digital rewards for engaging with ads on the platform.
“We’re dedicated to making Quests the most authentic, engagement-centric advertising product in gaming,” Sellix says in regards to Discord Orbs enhancing the Quest experience.
The process for earning and spending Discord Orbs sounds pretty simple. Users complete sponsor Quests to earn Discord Orbs, and then they can redeem their earnings in the online Discord Shop. Rewards include Orb-exclusive digital swag like special badges, profile cosmetics, and even passes for Discord Nitro, the app’s membership subscription that unlocks a variety of user benefits like increased upload limits and HD video streaming.
Sellix also detailed the benefits of the Discord Orbs system for advertisers. “For advertisers, Orbs make campaign launches even easier. Advertisers no longer need to bring their own reward (though our users certainly love that) or worry if the reward will resonate with their target audience.”
Discord began partnering with game companies and other entertainment brands last year. Users have been able to earn and purchase profile cosmetics for properties like My Hero Academia, Arcane, Street Fighter 6, SpongeBob, and more. Sellix does mention that Discord Orbs could also be redeemed for first-party Shop items like these; however, we’ll have to wait and see how much of the Discord Shop becomes eligible with the Orb program, or if it’ll be limited to specific sponsors at any given time.