INTRO: For decades,  
INTRO: For decades,  

large companies have been trying to dominate the  online video calling and messaging market. We’ve  
large companies have been trying to dominate the  online video calling and messaging market. We’ve  

seen everything from WebEx, MSN messenger,  and Skype to Google Hangouts and Zoom,  
seen everything from WebEx, MSN messenger,  and Skype to Google Hangouts and Zoom,  

but it seems like people’s favorite doesn’t  come from any of these large companies. Rather,  
but it seems like people’s favorite doesn’t  come from any of these large companies. Rather,  

their top choice is often Discord. This is quite  ironic given that projects like Google and Skype  
their top choice is often Discord. This is quite  ironic given that projects like Google and Skype  

have billions of dollars behind them and thousands  of employees. After all, Microsoft literally spent  
have billions of dollars behind them and thousands  of employees. After all, Microsoft literally spent  

$8.5 billion just to acquire Skype. So, clearly,  they take this sector quite seriously. Yet,  
$8.5 billion just to acquire Skype. So, clearly,  they take this sector quite seriously. Yet,  

they’re getting crushed by a relatively  small startup that was founded by a gamer.  
they’re getting crushed by a relatively  small startup that was founded by a gamer.  

Skype does technically have more active users  currently clocking in at 300 million while Discord  
Skype does technically have more active users  currently clocking in at 300 million while Discord  

only has about half of that at 150 million. But  when you consider that Skype was launched in 2003  
only has about half of that at 150 million. But  when you consider that Skype was launched in 2003  

and that Discord wasn’t launched till 2015, it  becomes clear who’s really winning the user race.  
and that Discord wasn’t launched till 2015, it  becomes clear who’s really winning the user race.  

Not to mention, a lot of Skype’s user base  comes from companies forcing their employees  
Not to mention, a lot of Skype’s user base  comes from companies forcing their employees  

to use Skype while virtually everyone who  uses Discord chooses it out of free will.  
to use Skype while virtually everyone who  uses Discord chooses it out of free will.  

So, here’s how a gamer showed up big tech in one  of the most saturated industries in the world.
So, here’s how a gamer showed up big tech in one  of the most saturated industries in the world.

JASON CITRON: 
JASON CITRON: 

Taking a look back, the story of Discord dates  back to a man named Jason Citron who was born on  
Taking a look back, the story of Discord dates  back to a man named Jason Citron who was born on  

September 21, 1984 in Florida. Jason’s interest  in technology and especially gaming started very  
September 21, 1984 in Florida. Jason’s interest  in technology and especially gaming started very  

early on in his life thanks to his father and  childhood friends. Apparently, Jason’s father  
early on in his life thanks to his father and  childhood friends. Apparently, Jason’s father  

was a massive fan of technology himself and he was  always tinkering with personal computers in his  
was a massive fan of technology himself and he was  always tinkering with personal computers in his  

free time. At the time, personal computers weren’t  actually all that useful to ordinary people  
free time. At the time, personal computers weren’t  actually all that useful to ordinary people  

given that their capabilities were extremely  limited and Windows 3.1 hadn’t even come out yet.  
given that their capabilities were extremely  limited and Windows 3.1 hadn’t even come out yet.  

Nonetheless, being a businessman, Jason’s father  could see that PCs were gonna become huge hence  
Nonetheless, being a businessman, Jason’s father  could see that PCs were gonna become huge hence  

the constant tinkering with PCs. While Jason’s  father’s curiosity no doubt rubbed off on Jason,  
the constant tinkering with PCs. While Jason’s  father’s curiosity no doubt rubbed off on Jason,  

Jason says that a lot of his passion for tech  comes from gaming and it was actually a childhood  
Jason says that a lot of his passion for tech  comes from gaming and it was actually a childhood  

friend that introduced him to games. Apparently,  one of his childhood friends owned an NES and  
friend that introduced him to games. Apparently,  one of his childhood friends owned an NES and  

Jason had the chance to play Super Mario Bros  on it. Jason describes this experience as  
Jason had the chance to play Super Mario Bros  on it. Jason describes this experience as  

quote “the most amazing thing I’d ever  seen in my entire life.” As he grew older,  
quote “the most amazing thing I’d ever  seen in my entire life.” As he grew older,  

his love for gaming evolved from being a player to  being a developer. Jason took his first computer  
his love for gaming evolved from being a player to  being a developer. Jason took his first computer  

science class in middle school and became friends  with another coding enthusiast within the class.  
science class in middle school and became friends  with another coding enthusiast within the class.  

Soon after, Jason hosted a sleepover for his 13th  birthday, and once everyone else went to sleep,  
Soon after, Jason hosted a sleepover for his 13th  birthday, and once everyone else went to sleep,  

Jason and his comp sci friend spent the night  trying to code a role playing game using QBASIC.  
Jason and his comp sci friend spent the night  trying to code a role playing game using QBASIC.  

Given that this was their first try, the  game probably wasn’t that great; however,  
Given that this was their first try, the  game probably wasn’t that great; however,  

Jason says that this experience made it clear to  him that his career had to be related to gaming.  
Jason says that this experience made it clear to  him that his career had to be related to gaming.  

Moving forward, through the rest of his teenage  years, Jason continued to be an avid gamer.  
Moving forward, through the rest of his teenage  years, Jason continued to be an avid gamer.  

Some of his favorite games include Super  Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Earthbound,  
Some of his favorite games include Super  Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Earthbound,  

Uniracers, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and most  importantly Final Fantasy VI. Aside from gaming,  
Uniracers, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and most  importantly Final Fantasy VI. Aside from gaming,  

Jason started to use his knowledge of computers  to start earning income as a teenager.  
Jason started to use his knowledge of computers  to start earning income as a teenager.  

Jason says that he quickly realized that most  people were relatively clueless about computers  
Jason says that he quickly realized that most  people were relatively clueless about computers  

which gave him an opportunity to help them  fix computer problems and earn some money.  
which gave him an opportunity to help them  fix computer problems and earn some money.  

Jason’s father was especially supportive of  this endeavor and would regularly drive him  
Jason’s father was especially supportive of  this endeavor and would regularly drive him  

all around the neighborhood, so that he  could make this side hustle a reality.  
all around the neighborhood, so that he  could make this side hustle a reality.  

As Jason slowly built up a reputation as being a  computer prodigy, people started to ask him to do  
As Jason slowly built up a reputation as being a  computer prodigy, people started to ask him to do  

bigger tasks such as writing code for them. In  fact, this side hustle grew so big that Jason's  
bigger tasks such as writing code for them. In  fact, this side hustle grew so big that Jason's  

parents helped him set up a bank account and Jason  started receiving wire transfers from customers.  
parents helped him set up a bank account and Jason  started receiving wire transfers from customers.  

If your customers are using wire transfers to  pay you, you were clearly making big money.  
If your customers are using wire transfers to  pay you, you were clearly making big money.  

Despite this, Jason didn’t instantly delve  into starting a full on development company.  
Despite this, Jason didn’t instantly delve  into starting a full on development company.  

He says that he was intimidated of hiring people,  so he preferred to keep his side hustle a solo  
He says that he was intimidated of hiring people,  so he preferred to keep his side hustle a solo  

venture. But, with Jason’s ambitions, it was just  a matter of time until his projects outgrew him.
venture. But, with Jason’s ambitions, it was just  a matter of time until his projects outgrew him.

MOBILE DEVELOPER: 
MOBILE DEVELOPER: 

Moving into college, Jason attended Full  Sail University in Florida presumably to  
Moving into college, Jason attended Full  Sail University in Florida presumably to  

major in computer science. Given that Jason had  been coding for several years at this point,  
major in computer science. Given that Jason had  been coding for several years at this point,  

college wasn’t that difficult for him and he  would end up graduating early. After graduation,  
college wasn’t that difficult for him and he  would end up graduating early. After graduation,  

Jason moved to San Rafael, California and picked  up a job as a console game developer. Initially,  
Jason moved to San Rafael, California and picked  up a job as a console game developer. Initially,  

he got himself his own place and lived alone, but  he says that this got boring pretty quickly. So,  
he got himself his own place and lived alone, but  he says that this got boring pretty quickly. So,  

he moved into a college house and became  roommates with 9 UC Berkeley students.  
he moved into a college house and became  roommates with 9 UC Berkeley students.  

While this may seem suboptimal at first glance,  this actually turned out to be extremely valuable.  
While this may seem suboptimal at first glance,  this actually turned out to be extremely valuable.  

You see, about 6 months after moving into  the house, a man named Rohan Relan moved in.  
You see, about 6 months after moving into  the house, a man named Rohan Relan moved in.  

Like Jason, Rohan was a software enthusiast  and his uncle and he were actually planning  
Like Jason, Rohan was a software enthusiast  and his uncle and he were actually planning  

on launching an incubator called YouWeb that was  supposed to help mobile games get off the ground.  
on launching an incubator called YouWeb that was  supposed to help mobile games get off the ground.  

As you would guess, Jason was extremely intrigued  by this idea, and Rohan would eventually invite  
As you would guess, Jason was extremely intrigued  by this idea, and Rohan would eventually invite  

Jason to join the incubator. At the incubator,  Jason would meet another developer named Danielle  
Jason to join the incubator. At the incubator,  Jason would meet another developer named Danielle  

Cassley and together, they would develop their  first major mobile game called Aurora Feint.  
Cassley and together, they would develop their  first major mobile game called Aurora Feint.  

The game combined two of Jason's favorite  genres which were role playing games and  
The game combined two of Jason's favorite  genres which were role playing games and  

puzzle games. So, Jason was basically living  his dream being able to work on developing a  
puzzle games. So, Jason was basically living  his dream being able to work on developing a  

game that really interested him as a career. All  of this took place in late 2007 and early 2008,  
game that really interested him as a career. All  of this took place in late 2007 and early 2008,  

so Apple had just released the iPhone and  the app store wasn’t even a thing yet.  
so Apple had just released the iPhone and  the app store wasn’t even a thing yet.  

Jason and Danielle weren’t exactly developing the  game specifically for the iPhone, but once the  
Jason and Danielle weren’t exactly developing the  game specifically for the iPhone, but once the  

app store was launched, it was clear to them  that they had to address the iPhone market.  
app store was launched, it was clear to them  that they had to address the iPhone market.  

This was actually perfect timing because it  allowed Aurora Feint to be one of the first  
This was actually perfect timing because it  allowed Aurora Feint to be one of the first  

games on the app store. And given that most of the  original apps on the app store weren’t that great,  
games on the app store. And given that most of the  original apps on the app store weren’t that great,  

Aurora Feint was quickly able to build up a solid  user base of over 1 million users. Despite this,  
Aurora Feint was quickly able to build up a solid  user base of over 1 million users. Despite this,  

the game wasn’t very profitable given that  there was no recurring revenue from customers.  
the game wasn’t very profitable given that  there was no recurring revenue from customers.  

Apple didn’t even support in-app purchases at the  time, so Jason and Danielle only earned money on  
Apple didn’t even support in-app purchases at the  time, so Jason and Danielle only earned money on  

the upfront cost of the game which was $1. At one  point, Jason only had two months worth of funding  
the upfront cost of the game which was $1. At one  point, Jason only had two months worth of funding  

left, and he remembers calling his parents  and telling them that he might need to move  
left, and he remembers calling his parents  and telling them that he might need to move  

in with them. But, luckily for Jason, that’s  when he would come up with his best idea yet.
in with them. But, luckily for Jason, that’s  when he would come up with his best idea yet.

OPENFEINT: 
OPENFEINT: 

Jason’s breakthrough moment came when he was  having a conversation with Rohan’s uncle, Peter,  
Jason’s breakthrough moment came when he was  having a conversation with Rohan’s uncle, Peter,  

about where to take Aurora Feint. During this  conversation, Jason said that it was weird that  
about where to take Aurora Feint. During this  conversation, Jason said that it was weird that  

XBox live wasn’t available on iPhone. Given  how fast the mobile gaming market was growing,  
XBox live wasn’t available on iPhone. Given  how fast the mobile gaming market was growing,  

you would think that either Microsoft or Apple  would’ve released something similar to XBox live,  
you would think that either Microsoft or Apple  would’ve released something similar to XBox live,  

but this wasn’t the case. And this is when Rohan’s  uncle realized that Aurora Feint already had  
but this wasn’t the case. And this is when Rohan’s  uncle realized that Aurora Feint already had  

aspects of XBox live within it. So, it wouldn’t  be that difficult to create their own version of  
aspects of XBox live within it. So, it wouldn’t  be that difficult to create their own version of  

XBox live called OpenFeint. Jason didn’t have any  money left though, so he pitched this idea to a  
XBox live called OpenFeint. Jason didn’t have any  money left though, so he pitched this idea to a  

few investors who agreed to fund the app if he  could prove that game developers would support  
few investors who agreed to fund the app if he  could prove that game developers would support  

the venture. Later that week, Jason posted the  idea of OpenFeint on TechCrunch which resulted  
the venture. Later that week, Jason posted the  idea of OpenFeint on TechCrunch which resulted  

in hundreds of game developers signing up and  pleading their support. And with that Jason was  
in hundreds of game developers signing up and  pleading their support. And with that Jason was  

funded and he would code like crazy over the  next several weeks. And on February 17, 2009,  
funded and he would code like crazy over the  next several weeks. And on February 17, 2009,  

Jason would launch OpenFeint. Given that there no  native alternative and the overwhelming support  
Jason would launch OpenFeint. Given that there no  native alternative and the overwhelming support  

from game developers, OpenFeint quickly caught on  amongst mobile gamers. OpenFeint’s user base grew  
from game developers, OpenFeint quickly caught on  amongst mobile gamers. OpenFeint’s user base grew  

into the tens of millions which allowed Jason  to complete funding rounds that each raised  
into the tens of millions which allowed Jason  to complete funding rounds that each raised  

millions. It looked like things couldn’t get any  better, and that’s exactly when Apple launched  
millions. It looked like things couldn’t get any  better, and that’s exactly when Apple launched  

Game Center. Jason said that he felt like the  air was being sucked out of his lungs as he  
Game Center. Jason said that he felt like the  air was being sucked out of his lungs as he  

realized that he was now competing against Apple.  Despite Jason’s fears, Game Center actually ended  
realized that he was now competing against Apple.  Despite Jason’s fears, Game Center actually ended  

up being a massive propellant for OpenFeint. You  see, Jason integrated OpenFeint into Game Center  
up being a massive propellant for OpenFeint. You  see, Jason integrated OpenFeint into Game Center  

and integrated Game Center into OpenFeint.  So, OpenFeint users could enjoy the benefits  
and integrated Game Center into OpenFeint.  So, OpenFeint users could enjoy the benefits  

of OpenFeint while new Game Center users could  naturally discover OpenFeint. It was a win-win  
of OpenFeint while new Game Center users could  naturally discover OpenFeint. It was a win-win  

scenario, and at the peak of OpenFeint’s success,  they boasted 120 million users and supported 7000  
scenario, and at the peak of OpenFeint’s success,  they boasted 120 million users and supported 7000  

games. Given this popularity, I don’t think you’d  be too surprised to hear that GREE would go on to  
games. Given this popularity, I don’t think you’d  be too surprised to hear that GREE would go on to  

buy OpenFeint for $104 million. It’s not clear  what percentage of OpenFeint Jason owned before  
buy OpenFeint for $104 million. It’s not clear  what percentage of OpenFeint Jason owned before  

the acquisition, but I think it’s safe to assume  that this sale made Jason a multi millionaire at  
the acquisition, but I think it’s safe to assume  that this sale made Jason a multi millionaire at  

the very least if not a deca millionaire. While  Jason has a pretty nice ending, the same cannot  
the very least if not a deca millionaire. While  Jason has a pretty nice ending, the same cannot  

be said about OpenFeint. Around the same time,  a coalition of gamers would sue OpenFeint for  
be said about OpenFeint. Around the same time,  a coalition of gamers would sue OpenFeint for  

violating their privacy, and a little over a year  later, GREE would announce that they’re shutting  
violating their privacy, and a little over a year  later, GREE would announce that they’re shutting  

down OpenFeint due to overwhelming backlash.  And that was the bitter end of OpenFeint.
down OpenFeint due to overwhelming backlash.  And that was the bitter end of OpenFeint.

DISCORD: While losing  
DISCORD: While losing  

OpenFeint was likely a massive blow for  Jason, he was pretty well off financially.  
OpenFeint was likely a massive blow for  Jason, he was pretty well off financially.  

So he had the luxury of taking some time off  and focusing on something else. Initially, Jason  
So he had the luxury of taking some time off  and focusing on something else. Initially, Jason  

actually turned to creating another gaming company  called Hammer & Chisel in 2012. This company would  
actually turned to creating another gaming company  called Hammer & Chisel in 2012. This company would  

release a mobile game called Fates Forever,  but this never really garnered much attention.  
release a mobile game called Fates Forever,  but this never really garnered much attention.  

Disappointed by the launch, Jason often spent  a lot of his time playing games like Final  
Disappointed by the launch, Jason often spent  a lot of his time playing games like Final  

Fantasy XIV and League of Legends. One of  the first things that stuck out to him as he  
Fantasy XIV and League of Legends. One of  the first things that stuck out to him as he  

played these games was that their in game voice  communication services were absolute garbage.  
played these games was that their in game voice  communication services were absolute garbage.  

Soon after, Jason set out to develop a user  friendly voice communication service that had  
Soon after, Jason set out to develop a user  friendly voice communication service that had  

minimal impact on game performance, and that’s  how Discord was founded. Over the next year  
minimal impact on game performance, and that’s  how Discord was founded. Over the next year  

Jason worked with YouWeb to develop Discord, and  given that he’d been a gamer for his entire life,  
Jason worked with YouWeb to develop Discord, and  given that he’d been a gamer for his entire life,  

he knew exactly what gamers wanted. Jason would go  on to launch Discord in May of 2015, and he says  
he knew exactly what gamers wanted. Jason would go  on to launch Discord in May of 2015, and he says  

that he didn’t market it to any specific audience.  But naturally, one of the first communities  
that he didn’t market it to any specific audience.  But naturally, one of the first communities  

that started embracing the platform were gaming  subreddits. This quickly made it popular amongst  
that started embracing the platform were gaming  subreddits. This quickly made it popular amongst  

Twitch streamers and eventually eSports and LAN  tournament gamers. One of the first companies  
Twitch streamers and eventually eSports and LAN  tournament gamers. One of the first companies  

that saw the potential of Discord was Time Warner  Cable who invested into the company in late 2016.  
that saw the potential of Discord was Time Warner  Cable who invested into the company in late 2016.  

Two years later, Microsoft would also embrace the  company by bringing Discord support to Xbox live  
Two years later, Microsoft would also embrace the  company by bringing Discord support to Xbox live  

users. Microsoft would actually eventually try  to buy Discord for $12 billion, but Jason would  
users. Microsoft would actually eventually try  to buy Discord for $12 billion, but Jason would  

turn down this offer in April of 2021. And given  that Discord has since successfully completed a  
turn down this offer in April of 2021. And given  that Discord has since successfully completed a  

funding round at a $15 billion valuation, it looks  like turning down the acquisition deal was the  
funding round at a $15 billion valuation, it looks  like turning down the acquisition deal was the  

right decision. But, it’s not all sunshines and  rainbows ahead for Discord. Given that Discord  
right decision. But, it’s not all sunshines and  rainbows ahead for Discord. Given that Discord  

doesn’t directly charge any of its users, they’re  revenue per user is likely not that great. And  
doesn’t directly charge any of its users, they’re  revenue per user is likely not that great. And  

considering how they’re constantly completing new  funding rounds, it’s likely that Discord is losing  
considering how they’re constantly completing new  funding rounds, it’s likely that Discord is losing  

money. This is fine for a startup, but you can  only keep up a money losing company for so long.  
money. This is fine for a startup, but you can  only keep up a money losing company for so long.  

So, Discord needs to focus on monetization  and profitability ASAP, but I think Jason is  
So, Discord needs to focus on monetization  and profitability ASAP, but I think Jason is  

well aware of that, and that’s exactly what he’s  trying to do. So, over the next couple of years,  
well aware of that, and that’s exactly what he’s  trying to do. So, over the next couple of years,  

it’s likely that Discord only grows even bigger  and potentially even becomes the world’s largest  
it’s likely that Discord only grows even bigger  and potentially even becomes the world’s largest  

voice communication platform, but we’ll just have  to wait and see. What’s your favorite aspect about  
voice communication platform, but we’ll just have  to wait and see. What’s your favorite aspect about  

Discord? Comment that down below. Also, drop  a like if you think that Discord blows out the  
Discord? Comment that down below. Also, drop  a like if you think that Discord blows out the  

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