Gamification

Gamification is when you add a game mechanic or attribute to a non game item, for example foursquare. It is really an app about checking into places, but the fact that you can earn badges and points and compete with friends adds that game element to it. Coming into the class I had no idea what gamification was really, now that I know what it is I can say that I still have mixed feelings about it. I am in favor of it being used to make a service more enjoyable and fun, however I am not in favor of it being implemented just to try and get money out of people. I do not agree with the existence of companies like badgeville. All in all gamification could serve a good purpose, but I am still not 100% convinced its all good.