Before the internet, games were simply sources of entertainment that fostered teamwork and learning. Playing is innate in humans. We like to challenge ourselves, bond with others through play, and most of us also like to win. With the advent of new technologies, games have taken on video form and continue to evolve. However, no matter the form of the game (video games, board games, casino games), it is always fun to play and have a good time, even more so when there’s a reward at the end.
What Is gamification?
Gamification is the application of game thinking and game techniques in non-game environments. Simply put, it consists of integrating playful mechanics into areas that are not necessarily so to make them more motivating. It appeals to our natural tendency to play.
For example, games with an educational element help people learn about a particular subject or how to perform a specific task via a fun, interactive interface.
The principle of gamification is not new; we have been playing games for centuries. 65% of Americans of all ages now play video games. From this, you can see how effective games are in capturing, engaging, motivating, and encouraging players to return to them.
Gamification is all about applying those techniques to the real world and encouraging behaviours like player loyalty, continuous learning and collaboration.
Gamification can also be used as a strategy to enhance productivity in goal-oriented environments. For example, productivity at work can be gamified by leveraging intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from doing something because it is personally rewarding. Status and recognition gained from gamification elements, even though they seem external, can still feed into intrinsic motivation if they help fulfill a desire for belonging in a community.
Achieving recognition or a higher status can make individuals feel competent and connected, satisfying deep psychological needs that are inherently motivating. A recent survey from Zippia supports this, with 90% of employees admitting to being more productive due to gamification elements implemented at work.
Gamification in fitness apps
Gamification elements in fitness apps make the arduous task of working out a lot more engaging and socially competitive. Features like challenges, badges and leaderboards have been integrated into these apps.
For instance, Strava allows you to compete for titles such as "King of the Mountain (KOM)" or “Queen of the Mountain (QOM).” These titles are awarded for achieving the fastest time in running, cycling or hiking segments. If you are competing in the climbing segment, the challenge might be to ascend as quickly as possible, then the top performer gets the KOM or the QOM badge. These fun elements turn workouts into a social competition and motivate regular participation. They also create a community feeling that makes users strive to reach their best potential and share these results with other runners.
Fitbit rewards its users with badges when specific goals are accomplished, such as the number of steps taken or the number of floors climbed. These badges are visual tokens of accomplishment that can be shared with friends and family. Leaderboards within such apps reveal how a user is doing compared to others and give users a competitive edge, which can be a powerful motivator.
Gamification on educational platforms
Educational platforms have also embraced gamification to revolutionize learning. Duolingo, the popular language learning app, uses a game-like structure where learners earn points for correct answers, level up, and face timed challenges.
Classcraft takes gamification further by transforming the classroom into a fantasy role-playing game. Students create avatars, undertake quests and earn rewards in a collaborative environment that mirrors the dynamics of video games. This method has been shown to increase student engagement and promote a cooperative spirit among learners, essential tools for educational success.
The debut of online casino gamification
For several years, online casinos have flourished on the web. Always at the forefront of marketing, these gambling sites were also the pioneers when it came to gamification, which has conquered the sector since the beginning of the 2000s.
Faced with fierce competition in the iGaming market, operators must constantly reinvent themselves and innovate to stay in the race.
Some have thus decided to take the plunge and offer "gamified" spaces to their members — a revolution that clashes with the traditional format of competitors and brick-and-mortar establishments. It is common to find missions or quests to accomplish in the best online casinos, precisely like in video games.
Players or members climb the ranks and receive various rewards by completing these objectives. These can be exclusive gifts and bonuses or rewards that pique players' interest.
Gamification in the heart of casino games
In the same vein, gamification has not failed to arouse the curiosity of casino game developers. The latest online casino games offer levels, scenarios, mini-games and mini-challenges for greater player involvement and gamification.
Consumer tech thrives with gamification
Seeing the success of online casino games with bonuses, free spins and rewards, we understand better why some consider gamification a pivotal future focus. Moreover, we can bet that this type of "gamified" entertainment will increase in the coming years. What player could turn their back on a more enriched, profound, and better-scripted gaming experience?
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and it's crucial to acknowledge this when utilizing online gambling platforms.
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