Game Mechanics
What is the term for an in-game item or title earned for achieving a goal?
What is a badge?
The desire to achieve goals, earn rewards, and win.
What is extrinsic motivation?
An app that gamifies fitness with points, badges, and leaderboards.
What is Fitbit (or similar answers like Strava)?
These players enjoy exploring the game world and discovering secrets.
What are Explorers?
A key benefit of gamification in education.
What is increased student engagement?
This system helps players track progress and encourages continued engagement.
What is a points system?
Motivation that comes from within, like curiosity or enjoyment.
What is intrinsic motivation?
A workplace example of gamification to improve employee engagement.
What is employee rewards programs (or Microsoft’s Ribbon Hero)?
Players who like to compete and win.
What are Killers or Achievers?
A criticism of gamification when rewards are overused.
What is reduced intrinsic motivation or dependency on rewards?
A sequence of tasks players complete in order, often increasing in difficulty.
What is a quest or level progression?
Gamification can boost this type of psychological need involving autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
What is self-determination?
Schools use this system to gamify learning and behavior.
What is ClassDojo (or PBIS points)?
This player type loves to help others and build relationships.
What are Socializers?
When gamification works well, it can create this optimal mental state.
What is flow or engagement?
This leaderboard component motivates users through competition.
What is ranking or score comparison?
A progress bar is an example of this kind of motivation mechanic.
What is goal-oriented motivation or progress tracking?
This language-learning app uses streaks and XP to keep users engaged.
What is Duolingo?
This type focuses on completing every achievement and leveling up.
What are Achievers?
Critics say gamification can lead to this if poorly designed.
What is manipulation or burnout?
The strategic placement of rewards at unpredictable intervals.
What is variable reward scheduling?
A concept from psychology often used in games that encourages flow and focus.
What is the flow state?
This type of gamification is used to train or educate employees through simulations.
What is serious games or training simulations?
This model divides players into four main types based on their motivations.
What is Bartle's Player Type model?
Gamification is most effective when it aligns with this.
What are the users' goals and values?