Gamification: A Primer

The process of gamification involves the integration of typical game components into websites, online communities, content portals, or in general, other non-gaming contexts.

There are two different concepts to be considered during the gamification process: game-mechanics and game-dynamics.

* Game mechanics are the tools needed to create the gamification infrastructure that lies under any game.
* Game dynamics represent the human needs and desires that are inherently in every one of us and can be satisfied through game-mechanics.

Game-mechanics have evolved over the years, advancing with the recent innovations in the game design discipline. The core of this discipline, however, is composed of 5 very simple concepts that work together to assure to the user/player a compelling experience, boosting interest, driving participation and engagement.

The basic game-mechanics are points, levels, challenges, virtual goods, and leaderboards.

Every game-mechanic is tightly tied to and fulfills a different game-dynamic, but also influences others in a minor way. The game-dynamics involved in gamification are reward, status, achievement, self expression, and competition.

Let's take a look at every game mechanic, associated with its main dynamic (more)