Discord started its life as a gaming-oriented alternative to voice-chat platforms like TeamSpeak and Skype, but now it’s shifting in a more general direction. In a recent blog post, the company announced that it will now focus more on tailoring its platform into one that can host any kind of community.
“Games are what brought many of you on the platform, and we’ll always be grateful for that,” the post reads in part. “As time passed, a lot of you realized, and vocalized, that you simply wanted a place designed to hang out and talk in the comfort of your own communities and friends.”
In terms of actual changes, new users will now have a more streamlined experience, and those looking to create new servers can use pre-made templates instead of starting from scratch. A recent update also added server video, which allows for video chat outside of private groups.
The platform’s website has been recently revamped to go along with its new tagline: “Your place to talk.” The company also reiterated its commitment to keeping Discord a safe space: “We will continue to take decisive action against white supremacists, racists, and others who seek to use Discord for evil.”