Duolingo, the popular language learning app, is currently seeking game developers and other professionals skilled in language learning gamification to join their team. The company, which was founded in 2011 by professor Luis von Ahn and grad student Severin Hacker, has quickly grown to become a leading educational product that looks and feels like a game.
According to Bob Meese, the chief business officer at Duolingo, the company has dozens of job openings across all disciplines, with a particular focus on engineering, design, and product roles. They are especially interested in hiring creative technologists who can help enhance the game-like experience of their language learning application. Meese believes that working on such a project can sharpen the skills of developers, which is crucial given the recent layoffs of over 8,000 game developers this year.
Duolingo’s unique position as an educational product that resembles a game has contributed to its success. With over 88 million monthly active users, 27 million daily active users, and seven million subscribers, the app has become a go-to resource for language learners worldwide. The company has achieved these numbers through continuous updates and features added to the app, such as subscriptions, leaderboards, stories, additional characters, and even math and music lessons.
Meese describes Duolingo as a “game-adjacent” company that is constantly evolving toward a more multiplayer experience. They are currently working on a new feature called “adventures,” which will further enhance the gaming elements of the app. The company’s product development focuses on improving learning efficacy, user retention and engagement, and monetization. They are also looking for game developers to contribute their perspectives on features for advanced learners, listening practice, and advanced English courses.
In addition to their focus on gamification, Duolingo is also seeking to increase their visibility in the games industry. Meese himself will be speaking about these topics at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in a talk called “Game Devs Save the World!” He believes that working for a company like Duolingo, which is growing steadily and making a positive impact on people’s lives, can be a powerful and fulfilling career choice.
Duolingo’s presence at the GDC reflects their commitment to the gaming industry. They have a table at Moscone West, Level 2 during the conference and will be showcasing their job opportunities to potential candidates. The company’s offices are primarily located in Pittsburgh and New York, but they have recently opened offices in Seattle and Detroit.
Overall, Duolingo’s unique approach to language learning through gamification has made it a standout in the industry. With their continuous growth and expansion, as well as their commitment to improving the app’s features, they offer exciting opportunities for game developers looking to make a difference while working in a stable and thriving business.