Gamification is an approach which designers use to apply gameplay elements in non-gaming settings, so they enhance user engagement with a service or product. By weaving suitably fun features such as badges, leaderboards, and points into an existing system, designers tap users’ intrinsic motivations so they relish in using it more.
Gamification is an effective tool to drive user engagement for various reasons. It’s not about modifying user interfaces into games. Rather, you use it to inject fun elements into applications and systems that might otherwise lack relevance or immediacy for users. If done right, this gives users the incentive to achieve goals and help them repress negative associations they may have with the system and the tasks it requires them to complete.
The dynamics incorporated by designers in successful gamification themselves serve as compelling intrinsic motivation. This means that users embark on engaging with the system because they take a fancy to it. For instance, Swarm\Foursquare promoted users to “Mayors” of establishments after a number of visits, enabling them to compete for the top place while shopping, enjoying meals, movies, etc.
"Gamification is an approach which designers use to apply gameplay elements in non-gaming settings, so they enhance user engagement with a service or product"
That being said, gamification essentially covers games of wit and skill than those of chance—this is debatable, though. But before we move on, what really is a game of skill? A game of skill is one that requires physical or mental ability and a learned capacity to carry out a result. These games commonly include the use of the tactic, strategy, physical coordination, technical expertise, strength or knowledge. One such game is available through the “spot the ball” app. This app requires you to employ your skill to guess the position of a football in live-action photos before it was airbrushed out. You have to guess correctly before the clock ticks and can then win promotion to higher leagues. Now, as with most things that seem simple, though, it rarely actually is. That’s why so many companies are willing to use “Spot the Ball” as the game of skill that participants need to take part in order to qualify to be potential winners.
However, good gamification doesn’t start with game elements but really starts with how it motivates our core drives, and hence this is where prize competitions come in.
The prizes offered in these competitions are inducement prizes; an inducement prize is a particular kind of reward structure that’s designed to motivate behavior. It requires skill and motivation by the person or group that submits the successful answer. People submit for the prize, not just to win the tangible reward but to demonstrate the success of the technique or skill they have. Such games also allow for a tremendous amount of freedom and flexibility, which hits on that aspect of autonomy that’s important for intrinsic motivation. In addition, people also tend to submit for such competitions partly as a way of contributing to the community.
Gamification software is here
Gamification of the associated prize competitions and skill-based gaming software like that of the “Spot the Ball” solution are all set to undergo a revolution in light of their rising popularity in the marketing field. Gamification is set to become a strategic management tool rather than a set of gameful design features or a technology solution. Gamification will be about how we collaborate, how we think, and how we co-create a different way of learning, building community, and working.
If you need help developing a skilled game competition site for your company, the experienced team at Tentacle Solutions is happy to assist. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, we deal with all facets of skilled games, including predictive analytics, testing, creative UI/UX services, and more. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a one-of-a-kind app to suit your unique needs.