Myths about gamification
- Gamification doesn’t work
Of course there are gamification programs that don’t work, but that doesn’t mean the concept is intrinsically flawed. When programs are implemented properly, companies find that the effectiveness gamification is no myth.
- Gamification is dead
Saying that gamification is dead is an exaggeration. This dramatic statement is nothing more than an alarmist headline: gamification is still a force, although it may not be a trend precisely. Gamification is not only not a new thing, it has almost always been used in contexts like education to make learning more appealing. Even Mary Poppins sang about this idea long before the term was coined. The reality is that gamification has evolved over time and now it’s viewed differently in the new digital world. The concept will remain, and its effects will continue to be noted in industries and companies for years to come.
- Gamification is a game
Games are meant to entertain the user. Normally there is a story or plot (for example: finding a treasure), elaborate graphics, a winner, etc. Although gamification may share some features with games, the true distinction lies in the differences. Gamification takes advantage of our favorable predisposition towards rewards and competition, and uses this to change people’s habits.
- Gamification is the same as game-based learning.
Gamification is an element oriented towards helping (not training) in which the mechanics of the game are used to motivate users. When the game is capable of training the user-player on its own, then we are looking at game-based learning: the student can put the content into practice and receive feedback on his or her learning. Gamification and game-based learning are never synonymous, as we explained.