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Why are gamification efforts so resisted by game developers?
The defences I have so far heard are:
The main components of the current gamification movement are the addition of leaderboards and badges to products. These are components that are frequently seen in games, although they do not make up the core of a game. This is similar to a cargo cult, where you expect users to act in a certain way because the product appears to be a game rather than actually having a game structure.
In certain instances, gamification is perceived as being sleazy since it seeks to elicit behaviours (such as obsessive use, addiction, etc.) without giving the users’ experiences any real significance (or even fun). Because they are available, gather the badges.
Using gaming mechanics to promote products (I’m simplifying here) low-keys the craft of game design
The practise of using game mechanics to promote products diminishes the idea that games can be deeply emotional experiences for players.
I would concur that most current gamification initiatives and products are unappealing and don’t go far enough to qualify as games in and of themselves, but since this subject is so new, I expect there will be development and better goods will come to market.
In general, you should ask yourself “how can I make it more entertaining” if you truly want to “gamify” something. rather than “how can I make them utilise it compulsively?”
The majority of those working in the video game business already view games as “serious pursuits,” I would conclude. frequently as grave as they come.
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3 Replies
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I’ll leave this here for now, but I’m not sure it has anything to do with Agile.
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It’s an interesting discussion on why gamification efforts face resistance from game developers. I believe the key issue is the shallow implementation of leaderboards and badges without a true game structure.
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It’s like expecting users to act a certain way just because a product
appears game-like without actually providing a meaningful or fun
experience.
I agree that many current gamification initiatives fall
short and fail to qualify as full-fledged games. However, I’m optimistic
that with further development, we’ll see better and more appealing
products in the market.
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