Gamification

#gamification


For those of you who aren't familiar with the topic, Gamification is the act of applying game mechanics to non game arena's.  Examples include Nike+ (fitness), Mint (finance), and Chore Wares   (relationship / household chores).


Loyalty schemes have been around for ages and are crude examples of gamification.  If you google Sebastian Deterding, Jane McGonigal, Bigdoor, Bunchball, Gamify, Gabe Zichermann, or just gamification itself you will be overwhelmed by how much content is out there for such a new topic.


We now have an annual Gamification Summit organized by Gabe Zichermann.  I have attended the last couple of years through ForaTV although the last one had technical issues and I had to just watch the recorded elements when they were available.


We also have the first Gamification MBA course run by Kevin Werbech and Dan Hunter.  They also organized a symposium of gamification back in August of this year.  They have been kind enough to publish the course notes etc online for anyone who is interested.
Coursekit from Gamification MBA course


The reason I am so excited for the gamified future is that I see a huge potential to engage people in big issues using gamified solutions.  If we can get people to focus on some of the challenges that we face as a species by using game mechanics then I am all for the concept.


I am working on a platform to give people the tools to bring game mechanics to the areas of their life that they think need improving.  Until I get it built we'll have to just pretend it is all a game.