# Social SDK Core Concepts

The Discord Social SDK allows you to build social features into your game, including friend lists, messaging, voice chat, and rich presence. Unlike a traditional SDK with built-in UI components, the Discord Social SDK provides access to raw data, allowing developers to create a fully customized experience that aligns with their game's aesthetic.

## Core Concepts Overview

Select a topic below to learn more about the Discord Social SDK:

::::card-grid
:::card{title="Core Features" href="/guides/core-concepts-core-features"}
Explore social features like account linking, friends, and rich presence.
:::

:::card{title="Communication Features" href="/guides/core-concepts-communication-features"}
Learn about messaging, voice chat, and in-game lobbies.
:::

:::card{title="Integration Overview" href="/guides/core-concepts-integration-overview"}
Learn about the integration overview and implementation steps.
:::

:::card{title="Platform Compatibility" href="/guides/core-concepts-platform-compatibility"}
See supported platforms and download information.
:::

:::card{title="OAuth2 Scopes" href="/guides/core-concepts-oauth2-scopes"}
Understand OAuth2 scopes and client types for authentication.
:::
::::

***

## Next Steps

After exploring these core concepts, you can start implementing the Discord Social SDK in your game:

- **Ready to integrate?** Follow our [Getting Started](/guides/getting-started-getting-started) guide for step-by-step setup instructions.
- **Need implementation details?** Check out the development guides for specific features like [Account Linking](/guides/discord-account-linking-development-guides-account-linking-with-discord) and [Managing Lobbies](/guides/lobbies-voice-development-guides-managing-lobbies).
- **Looking for UI guidance?** Review the [Design Principles](/guides/design-foundations-principles) for best practices.

***

## Change Log

| Date           | Changes                   |
| -------------- | ------------------------- |
| July 21, 2025  | restructure core concepts |
| June 30, 2025  | restructure oauth scopes  |
| March 17, 2025 | initial release           |

## Related pages

- [API Reference](./api-reference-index.md)
- [App Fundamentals](./app-fundamentals-index.md)
- [Best Practices](./best-practices-index.md)
- [Bots & Companion Apps](./bots-companion-apps-index.md)
- [Building Games](./building-games-index.md)
- [Building on Discord](./building-on-discord-index.md)
- [Change Log](./change-log-index.md)
- [Communities & Servers](./communities-servers-index.md)
- [Components](./components-index.md)
- [Core Concepts](./core-concepts-index.md)

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