Introduction to Gamification

While gamification does take a few cues from games, gamification doesn't involve playing a game at all, rather it uses the principles of gaming to make an experience more fun and engaging.

So what is it exactly? Simply stated, gamification is the combination of game mechanics and reward systems used in a real world, non-game setting in order to compel users to behave and engage in a specific way.

The term game mechanics refers to the components of a game; the mechanisms utilized by game designers to fashion and reward express activity among players. Also, in the case of a gamification program, this refers to customers, employees, or other users.

Examples of game mechanics being used today in an online community:

• Leaderboards: A display of the current name and scores of participants
• Progress Bars: A graphic that brandishes the progress users have made in completing a task
• Badges: A digital emblem reward for completing a specific task
• Points: Awarded for engaging in desired behaviors

Source: Badgeville, www.badgeville.com