What is gamification?
Game mechanisms such as points, challenges, levels and rewards, applied where you do not expect them. To motivate people, keep them engaged and help them learn in a way that sticks.
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Read the full explanation
When people do something themselves, instead of just listening to it or watching it, it sticks better. That's the core of gamification: applying game mechanisms like points, challenges, levels and rewards in environments that aren't games themselves, to motivate people, keep them engaged, and help them learn in a way that truly sticks. At Wakaaro, we see gamification as a broad concept: an overarching approach encompassing multiple forms, ranging from gamification in the strict sense to fully-fledged serious games and interactive learning solutions.
Gamification and serious games:
what's the difference?
Within the concept of gamification, we distinguish between two main forms. They often share the same objective, but operate in fundamentally different ways.
Not sure? The choice depends on your goal, your audience and your budget.
Take the choice guide
Right: when you are rewarded, your brain releases dopamine. That makes you want more, and remember better.
Why does gamification work so well? The science behind it
Gamification is not just a fad. It is behavioural science in practice. When we complete a challenge or receive a reward, our brain releases dopamine. That sense of satisfaction boosts motivation and increases our willingness to absorb new information, one of the most well-documented mechanisms behind active learning in learning psychology.
In practical terms, this means: people learn faster, remember more and are more actively engaged when learning feels like playing. That is precisely why organisations use gamification for onboarding, training, sales coaching, behavioural change in the workplace and so much more.
- Learn faster
- Remember more
- More actively engaged
Applications of gamification in organisations
Gamification and serious games can be used in almost any context where you want to influence behaviour, transfer knowledge or increase engagement. Real-world examples:
- Training and (e-)learningtraining courses that actively engage employees rather than having them listen passivelyHow we did it: Working Capital Challenge SDGame
- Marketing and communicationcampaigns that genuinely engage customers through gamesHow we did it: Business gift
- Change managementengaging teams in a change process by letting them experience the consequences of choices for themselvesHow we did it: Carglass
- Awareness-raisingcreating awareness around topics such as working capital, safety or sustainable business practicesHow we did it: SDGame Missie Sustaire
- Recruitment & employer brandingscreening or attracting candidates via a gamified selection processHow we did it: Keukenkriebels
- Motivation & saleschallenging and rewarding teams for the behaviour you want to seeHow we did it: Toyota
- Or something else?Tell us your challenge, we design the game.Contact us →
How does Wakaaro develop gamification or a serious game?
- 1.
Analysis
Your challenge and your audience
- 2.
Design
The game or the gamification layer
- 3.
Development
From prototype to finished product
- 4.
Roll-out
Implementation and evaluation
Wakaaro supports organisations from start to finish: from the initial analysis of your challenge and target audience, through the creative design of the game or gamification layer, to development, implementation and evaluation. We work with both ready-made solutions (such as the Working Capital Challenge, SDGame, or Missie Sustaire) and fully bespoke programmes.
What's more, we can handle any format: whether it's a physical board game, an app, a VR simulation or an escape room: the format always follows the objective, to ensure we arrive at the best solution.
- Board game
- Card game
- App
- VR
- Escape room
- Team building
- Or something else
Test yourself
Three questions. All correct? Then you earn the last badge.
What is the difference between gamification and a serious game?
Which substance does your brain release when you are rewarded in a game?
What determines the format of the game at Wakaaro?
🏆 All correct. You are a gamification expert!
Want to get started with gamification?
Tell us what needs to land. We are happy to think along, ready-made or tailor-made.
Frequently asked questions
Your question not listed? Just ask us, we are happy to think along.
Ask your questionWhat is the difference between gamification and a normal game?
You play an entertainment game to have fun: the game itself is the goal. In gamification and serious games, the game is a means to an end: it facilitates a higher purpose such as learning, behavioural change or raising awareness. The game mechanics are deliberately designed to boost motivation and enhance the learning experience.
Of course, a good serious game will usually be enjoyable too, but entertainment is not the goal in itself.
Is gamification only suitable for large companies?
No. Gamification is scalable. We develop programmes for SMEs, non-profit organisations, educational institutions and large corporations. We tailor our approach and budget to your specific context. From a simple gamification layer added to an existing training course to a fully bespoke serious game, anything is possible.
Does gamification work for adults too?
Absolutely. In fact, most of our applications are aimed at adults in the workplace. Adults respond just as strongly (and sometimes even more strongly) to game mechanics such as challenges, autonomy and visible progress.
How much does gamification cost?
That depends very much on the scope: a ready-made game is more accessible than a fully bespoke VR simulation, but rest assured that a suitable solution can be found for virtually any budget. As developers, we'll guide you through the process and clearly explain which choices will affect the budget.
Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat; we'd be delighted to discuss your challenges and the possibilities.
How long does it take to develop a serious game?
A simpler project can be completed within 6 to 8 weeks. More complex, bespoke games usually take 3 to 6 months. The development timeframe also generally depends on the number of ongoing projects and a number of external factors, such as: how quickly feedback is received from the client, delivery times for printed materials, game boxes or other game components... Wakaaro always works with a clear project plan and regular interim coordination.