Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform favored by gamers and communities, is considering an initial public offering (IPO). According to the sources, Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that could potentially occur later this year. In 2021, the company was valued at around $15 billion.

A spokesperson for Discord responded to the IPO speculation with a statement to The New York Times, emphasizing that the company does not comment on rumors or speculation. The focus, they reiterated, remains on enhancing user experience and building a sustainable business.

Discord has seen a significant rise in its user base, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its user-friendly features and strong moderation tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering seamless voice chat options for gamers. Additionally, Discord has recently expanded to include streaming capabilities. While the service is free to use, it also offers premium features for those willing to pay for enhanced customization.

However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users about the future of Discord's functionality. On Reddit's r/Discordapp, the top comment on the IPO discussion expresses skepticism, suggesting that going public often leads to a decline in service quality. Similarly, a post on r/technology laments the potential impact of the IPO, fearing it might drive Discord into a cycle of relentless growth at the expense of user experience.

These developments are not entirely surprising, given Discord's history. In 2021, it was reported that the company was in discussions with several potential buyers, including Microsoft. However, Discord later decided to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.