Gamification - How the Principles of Play Apply to Real Life - Extra Credits

Mechanics and game design principles can enhance our own lives through applications at school, work, and personal habit-building. What could happen in a world where there's no distinction between work and play?

(Original air date: March 30, 2011)

If you are a working professional, bear in mind that James's offer of complimentary consulting has expired (this video is 6+ years old!). HOWEVER, don't despair if you're on a tight budget--in the time since this video was made, there are a LOT more free or very affordable resources available now for applying gamified design to your particular situation. We encourage you to peruse the existing research and literature on gamification that's been done, or even join one of the existing communities for educators and others who are interested in gamification.

Check out Erin Siegel's artwork here!

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♪ Intro Music: "Penguin Cap" by CarboHydroM

♪ Outro Music: "Materia Junkie" by LulzA

[extrahistory]

Before you go emailing us, bear in mind that James's offer of complimentary consulting has expired (this video first aired over 6 years ago, well before we even had a YouTube channel!). HOWEVER, don't despair if you're on a tight budget--in the time since this video was made, there are a LOT more free or very affordable resources available now for applying meaningful game design to your particular situation. We encourage you to peruse the existing research and literature on gamification, or even join one of the existing online communities for people interested in this topic.

[JobroskiSwaqqman]

I know a guy who played all of his games in Spanish. He wasn't Hispanic, but was one of the top students in my Spanish class.

[hauntedcupoftea]

seriously. you guys are the ONLY reason I got back up and started UE4 once again..
I'm so happy. I can't even thank you guys enough. I'm going through that non violence part and thinking of am idea. thanks a lot already.

[introvertedgamer]

One of my friends did something like this with his son. He gave him exp for doing things like taking out the trash, doing homework and even less engaging things like not whining. He called them man points (the joke came out of taking away someone's 'man card'). He made a progress chart for his door what level man he was and got privileges and such for leveling up.

[Gamelearn]

Gamification (game-based learning) has evolved substantially since its appearance in the industry. Still this video is very much instructional and presents a solid basis to start understanding the concept of learning with serious games.

[Obscurae]

It's unsettling watching this now when I watched your episode on Sesame Credit only a few days ago. 3 and a half years for this concept to be taken to it's extreme isn't really that long.

[mrrownel]

At 3:20AM in the morning, you managed to keep me engaged throughout your video. That's a major achievement. Great video. Instructive content!

[HatofMuffin]

My animation class started gamifying the grade system, giving us things like leveling trees, and experience boosts based on grades. It's pretty awesome.

[ShunyValdez]

You should add this to your gamification playlist. Its a good introduction.

[Ecki]

If I have to do homework, I try to think: 1 Homework = 1 Quest = experience points.
Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

[darcyw]

I first saw this video 6 years ago when it came out on the escapist. Now that I am moving into the education sector I thought I would revisit it. Still relevant. thanks guys

[benjohnson]

You have reached level 37438 in Math!

Congrats, you have earned a calculator!

[lastsunofwinter]

I use this at my job everyone think I am crazy but it makes me work hard and smile while I am doing it. Everyone else is mad and balding, seriously.

[trnogger]

Brilliant summary. I'm currently getting into the whole Gamification thing and bring it into my company and I will surely be referencing this video. Especially to point out the responsibility you asume when you start "influencing" people like this.

[julliettecoeur]

This video kept me engaged. Way to go, using those gamification strategies to do so!

[GrimSoul]

These videos are awesome bro; I love your topics. I'm sharing this all over the place.

[ArgzeroYT]

Gamifying the medical system/utilizing game-related knowledge in the medical system is my life's goal. One day I'll probably talk with you guys about it.

[derekallard]

Thank you Mr...Credits(?) for this! I'm going to go into interface design and this is indeed a huge potential. I try not to think about dangers so much. Yes, I'm instinctively wary, but putting brain cells toward toxic topics takes away from new ideas. Honestly, plot holes don't appear one day, they're born the same time the law is. It's only a matter of time before someone sees it, and why wouldn't they use it? There are people who prioritize things other than personal gain. I do speculate that the abusers really are just kidding themselves into thinking how they do things is still working out. They've ingrained themselves in methods that they had no way of knowing they'd be dead ends. I know it's a bad thing to say about people, but I really just tune out most of the negativity. Now, I listen to reason, and it's impressive how many people actually have reasons for what they do. We only remember the bad, however, thanks to human programming. I speculate a lot, which means I can't back up my claims on plenty of things. Yet I do feel there's a healthy place for it, somewhere on my path, hopefully. I've always tried to listen to the minorities in things. Even the nit pickiest person had some reason to say what they said. For the most part, humans do try to do good. Anyone not on-board is just too wrapped up in our overly-demanding lives to have anymore room to give.
Why is a UI designer going on like this? Everything is connected. I want to know a little about a lot of things. To be aware, even if I can't always master, the different factors of my life. And when you find someone who really knows whatever little thing it is, they can sum it up in a few words. There was, are, and will always be intelligent people, even if you don't see them. Each person on the street is a collection of experiences and may just have some incredible information they've been storing. It's interesting to see just how similar we all are. Listen to yourself, and then listen to others. That's all I can think of for now!

[arturogonzalez]

As a 3 grade teacher 2 weeks into a school system myself hate. I've learned that rewards are more of an incentive than punishment. I've got kids doing work for stickers cuz more stickers mean a prize! I need more of this where's James!

[AlbinosaurusRX]

That outro music! I love that game, and that's one of my favorite musical pieces from it.