Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that Discord, the popular chat platform favored by gamers, is contemplating an initial public offering (IPO). Sources indicate that Discord's leadership has been engaging with investment bankers to lay the groundwork for an IPO that could take place later this year. The company was valued at approximately $15 billion during its last valuation in 2021.

In response to these reports, a Discord spokesperson told The New York Times, "We understand there is a lot of interest around Discord’s future plans, but we do not comment on rumors or speculation. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for our users and building a strong, sustainable business."

Discord has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly within the gaming community, thanks to its gaming-centric features and robust moderation and community tools. The platform has been integrated into PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, offering a seamless voice chat option for gamers. Additionally, Discord has recently expanded to include streaming options. While the service remains free to use, it offers various monetized features that enhance customization.

However, the prospect of an IPO has sparked concerns among users. On the subreddit r/Discordapp, the most upvoted comment reads, "Whelp! It's been fun, but anytime someone decides they want to 'make a public offering' then the company *everything* goes to shit. What's the next communications platform promising to not sell out, like all the others?" Similarly, in r/technology, users lament, "Rip Discord, brought into the cycle of infinite growth at any cost."

These IPO discussions are not entirely unexpected. In 2021, it was reported that Discord had been in discussions with at least three companies, including Microsoft, about a potential acquisition. However, a month later, it was revealed that Discord chose to remain independent and pursue an IPO instead.