Latest news with #gamification
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
UAE workplaces tipped to embrace 'gamification' in effort to boost productivity
The UAE is primed to " gamify ' the workplace to foster healthy competition and increase productivity as part of a vision for the office of tomorrow. A new report has highlighted how the trend – where leader boards, competitions and achievement badges are used to improve job satisfaction and achieve better results – could reshape the workplace by 2040. The study also predicts that 'extended reality (XR)', referring to immersive technologies, could reduce demands for conventional office environments, while artificial intelligence could be used to assess staff. It also pinpoints the rise of 'early retirees' – where employees in their 30s and 40s are opting out of traditional career paths in pursuit of greater freedom. These are some of the predictions in the major report issued on Thursday by Abu Dhabi's Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE). It forecasts significant changes in how people will work by 2040 – influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence. Switched on to the future Ruba Al Hassan, director general of strategic affairs and future foresight at DGE, said they were already seeing gamification of the workplace and immersive learning. 'They're happening now,' Ms Al Hassan told The National. 'It's not a distant 2040 future.' The Emerging trends report in talent Management (2024–2040) highlights 16 global disruptive shifts but also helps governments and employers respond to the challenges. One of the interesting findings among the 16, said Ms Al Hassan, was the rise of the 'neo-generalist' – someone who can blend expertise with broad knowledge across multiple fields and become a big-picture thinker. 'It is about people becoming more adaptable to think about things that they don't usually,' she said. Aside from the "gamifying the workplace' trend that taps "into natural human tendencies for competition and achievement by converting work tasks into game-like challenges' another is the rise of AI in recruitment. Interview robots, for example, can assess candidates' skills while reducing bias in gender, age and appearance. AI-powered background checks could also minimise bias, while it could also be used to help companies promote the best candidate. The rise of AI is dominating conversations across the world and the subject of many headlines, but Ms Al Hassan said it was her opinion that its potential was 'under-hyped'. 'I remember when I was in college when everybody started using the internet and how fast it happened overnight,' he said. 'This has been faster,' she said. 'You've seen the numbers on the users of ChatGPT. 'If we figure out how best to use it, you can capitalise on its full potential and that means people's full potential will be realised.' Another finding on the office predicted that the rise of virtual reality, augmented reality, and holographic technologies will enhance remote collaboration and 'could potentially render traditional office spaces obsolete'. The return to the office has been a lively conversation since wholesale work from home practices became common during the Covid-19 pandemic. A separate report from Michael Page this week showed that despite economic uncertainty, 77 per cent of UAE professionals are "actively exploring' new job opportunities, compared to 65 per cent in 2024. The "growing pressure to return to the office could be a tipping point', the Michael Page report said. Further predictions include an increase in demand for data scientists; potential levies on companies utilising AI and automation that could fund income for people if they no longer need to work and waning relevance of some higher education degrees in favour of practical experience. Speaking broadly about changes sweeping workplaces, Ms Al Hassan said every breakthrough in technology – from printing press to the radio to the TV – came with the discussions about whether it would take over something but people still listened to radio and TV still exists and it was about adapting. 'We're a government that has its eye on the future,' she said. 'Not because we're sitting there saying 'I need to predict this or that', but because we want to be part of building it. That's … what we're trying to do. 'What can we get out of this new technology to make people's lives better?' The study, meanwhile, draws on the 'futures platform' – a tool used by governments, corporations and research institutions to track more than 1,000 signals of change across industries. It combines these insights with DGE's internal analysis. DGE, established in 2023 to lead the digital transformation for the Abu Dhabi Government, is already applying its findings such as using AI to reduce attrition and to reimagine career paths to stay competitive, it said. Ms Al Hassan said she was optimistic about the rise of this kind of technology once it was done right and ethically with correct guardrails and policies that focus on people. 'I'm very optimistic that this is going to be great for us.'
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Bragg Delivers On Player Engagement Focus With Innovative Big Ticket Bonanza Gamification Tool
Article content Article content TORONTO — Bragg Gaming Group ( NASDAQ: BRAG, TSX: BRAG) (' Bragg ' or the ' Company ') is proud to announce the launch of the latest gamification-led innovation to its award-winning Fuze ™ marketing and promotional toolset, Big Ticket Bonanza, a new way to engage with players through multiple targeted and bespoke campaigns. Article content Big Ticket Bonanza rewards players with guaranteed-win scratchcards, triggered randomly during normal gameplay (for example while playing a slot game). The scratchcards award instant cash prizes or raffle tickets, which are collected and entered into weekly or monthly prize draws. Article content Players collect tickets by wagering on participating casino games. The more they engage with the game, the more tickets they earn—boosting engagement without disrupting the core gaming experience. Article content The tool supports both weekly and monthly draws, giving operators flexibility in structuring prize pools and maintaining consistent momentum. Ticket counters update dynamically within the game interface or external campaign widgets, reinforcing progress and encouraging continued participation. Article content Offering a totally branded experience, campaigns are fully customizable to reflect the operator's branding, including logos, color schemes, and thematic design elements. Article content At all points Big Ticket Bonanza offers fair and transparent draws, backed by secure RNG-based draw mechanisms that ensure compliance and fairness, with exportable logs for auditing. Article content Players can access their ticket counts, prize history, via an in-play dedicated display. Article content The launch comes as part of Bragg's strategic investment in creating amazing iGaming experiences for players, illustrating how the work of suppliers can create positive experiences for players and ostensibly, deliver meaningful results for its operator partners. Article content Bragg champions a culture of iGaming excellence and constant innovation, not only to its gamechanging iGaming content portfolio, but also in its full service suite of technology solutions, excellence and innovation which creates a competitive advantage in the iGaming industry. Article content The Big Ticket Bonanza gamified player engagement campaign aims to boost player engagement and session time, while increasing wagering volume. It also provides a scalable promotion for both short bursts and longer-term brand events. Article content Bragg is targeting an aggressive roll-out strategy for Big Ticket Bonanza across its operational markets in Europe, the U.S. and the LatAm region, opening up new opportunities for growth globally. Article content Launched with valued partner Senator Group in Croatia, which operates on the Bragg player account management ('PAM') platform, Big Ticket Bonanza is now available to all of Bragg's casino content, aggregation and PAM partners and presents a huge opportunity to engage with players. Article content Big Ticket Bonanza joins an ever expanding and constantly updated list of player engagement tools accessible through the Fuze™ player engagement toolset. Unlike static promotions, Fuze™ engagement mechanics adapted dynamically to player behaviour, ensuring continuous participation. Article content Other tools available within Fuze™ include tournaments with real-time leaderboards, quests, flash jackpots, sophisticated bonusing, free rounds and a games recommendation system powered by cutting-edge AI technology. Article content Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer at Bragg Gaming Group commented: 'Innovation and excellence form the cornerstone of the Bragg approach to iGaming, and to ensure that our operator partners have the latest tools available in creating dynamic and fantastic experiences for their players. Article content 'Big Ticket Bonanza is the latest evidence of that focus, our commitment to investing in our products and presents a significant competitive advantage for Bragg as an iGaming supplier, an advantage that we're looking to drive home globally.' Article content Croatian online operator Senator Group, a long-standing turnkey solutions partner of Bragg is among the first of Bragg's operator partners to utilize Big Ticket Bonanza in their marketing strategy. Article content Vedran Maric, Head of iGaming, Senator Group commented: 'Bragg has been a terrific partner to us in our transition from land-based to offering iGaming to our players, and their suite of products and technology have proven invaluable in this process. Article content 'We're working collaboratively with Bragg to introduce Big Ticket Bonanza into our marketing, but I'm sure it will be well received by our players in the Croatian market.' Article content About Bragg Gaming Group Article content Bragg Gaming Group ( NASDAQ: BRAG, TSX: BRAG) is an iGaming content and platform technology solutions provider serving online and land-based gaming operators with its proprietary and exclusive content, and cutting-edge player account management ('PAM') technology. Bragg Studios offer high-performing and passionately crafted casino game titles using the latest in data-driven insights from in-house brands including Wild Streak Gaming, Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic. Its proprietary content portfolio is complemented by a selection of exclusive titles from carefully selected studio partners under the Powered By Bragg program. Games built on Bragg's remote games server ('RGS') technology are distributed via the Bragg HUB content delivery platform and are available exclusively to Bragg customers. Bragg's powerful, modular PAM technology powers multiple leading iCasino and sportsbook brands and is supported by expert in-house managed, operational, and marketing services. Content delivered via the Bragg HUB either exclusively or from the Bragg aggregated games portfolio is managed from a single back-office which is supported by a cutting-edge data platform, and Bragg's award-winning Fuze™ player engagement toolset. Bragg is licensed, certified, or otherwise approved and operational in over 30 regulated iCasino markets globally, including in the U.S., Canada, LatAm and Europe. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Solarsuns investment Guild Launches Achievement Badge System Under Maverick Preston's Vision
Solarsuns investment Guild, guided by founder Maverick Preston, introduces a milestone-based badge system that recognizes cognitive progress and strategic learning achievements among its users. Los Angeles, CA, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solarsuns investment Guild has introduced a new achievement badge system designed to reward users for cognitive growth and learning consistency. Developed under the leadership of founder Maverick Preston, the system brings gamified structure to investment education while reinforcing measurable milestones across personal development badge in the system corresponds to specific learning benchmarks, including concept mastery, strategic application, and risk comprehension. As users complete modules and demonstrate cognitive advancement, they are awarded honorary titles such as 'The Thinker,' 'The Strategist,' and 'The Risk Navigator,' all embedded within their platform profiles.'The badge system is not about competition—it's about recognition of mental discipline,' said a senior education strategist at Solarsuns investment Guild. 'These titles reflect a learner's readiness to engage with markets using structured reasoning rather than impulsive habits.'The system leverages platform data on module engagement, decision simulations, reflection journals, and quiz accuracy to determine badge eligibility. Rather than focusing solely on completion rates, it emphasizes behavioral consistency and learning depth—core values championed by Maverick Preston since the platform's founding in now have access to a badge tracker interface that displays unlocked achievements and provides visual feedback on upcoming targets. The goal is to create a sense of progress continuity, where each recognition reinforces a deeper stage of investment initiative is part of a larger movement within Solarsuns investment Guild to align behavioral finance principles with structured learning experiences. By making progress visible and identity-based, the badge system helps users internalize key learning stages and build long-term investment first cohort of users will begin receiving badges this week, with the full rollout scheduled over the next month. Upcoming badges will include collaborative learning achievements and ethical decision markers, expanding recognition beyond technical investment Guild continues to evolve its educational framework through practical innovations aimed at real-world decision-making. The badge system represents both a motivational tool and a philosophical statement: that investing is not just about results, but about disciplined thinking and cognitive more information about Solarsuns investment Guild's recognition systems or upcoming feature releases, visit the official platform portal. CONTACT: Madison Carter Solarsuns info at in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
I learnt Spanish on an app – then put it to the ultimate test in rural Central America
When Guatemalan-born entrepreneur Luis von Ahn created Duolingo back in 2009, I wonder whether he could ever have imagined that, 15 years later, it would be a $748m (£560m) business. It's now used by 103 million people around the world, one of a raft of similar app-based tools – amongst them Babbel, Memrise and Clozemaster – which mix artificial intelligence and 'gameification' to help users learn a new language. It's this gamification element, in particular, which has helped make the apps popular – an approach inspired by the world of video gaming which aims to keep users engaged, stoking competition and rewarding them for completing 'levels' of study. In the case of Duolingo, this includes being able to compete against friends and family, and earning rewards for hitting 'streaks' (using the app daily throughout the week). It is, as I discovered, surprisingly addictive. At school, I had opted to study French and German – but, as I got older, I often found myself wishing I had learnt Spanish, with its sensuous rolling consonants and global reach (around 600 million people on Earth speak Spanish, compared to just 321 million French speakers, and 130 million German). So, earlier this year, I decided to take action. I downloaded Duolingo, and started learning from the absolute beginning (its go-to first phrase is, for some reason, ' me como la manzana ', meaning 'I eat the apple'). I felt myself improving quickly but, the more I used the app, the more I wondered how much of a replacement these tools were for real world immersion and local interaction. Was AI-learning alone enough for me to get by in a place where little or no English was spoken? Would it give me the confidence I needed to at least have a try? There was only one way to find out: I booked a trip to Guatemala – somewhere, I reasoned, that Mr von Ahn would approve of. My partner Tim and I crossed the border from Belize – the only English-speaking country in Latin America – just as I hit my 130-day streak on Duolingo (Tim was on a lowly 50). Feeling particularly smug, and driven by the rush of adrenaline-fuelled self-belief which accompanied the batch of 'gems' with which the app rewarded my efforts, I decided we should throw ourselves in the deep end and head straight for a rural community called Carmelita. Located in northern Guatemala, the tiny village is the jumping off point for a hardcore trek that cuts right through the heart of the Mayan jungle to a 3,000-year-old Mayan city called El Mirador. None of its residents, we were assured, spoke English. It was a long and bumpy drive to the village in a rattly 4x4 with no suspension, and my attempt at conversation with the driver fell flat. ' ¿Cómo estás? ' I offered – but was immediately lost by his fast-paced and lengthy reply. I nodded and smiled, but we spent the rest of the journey in silence. Off to a good start. Before exploring the area surrounding Carmelita, we stopped for a typical local breakfast of scrambled eggs, refried beans, plantain and freshly cooked tortillas (sadly, no manzanas). I was determined to compliment the plate of food I'd just enjoyed. ' ¡Esto es muy bueno! ' I said with a big thumbs up, which was greeted with smiles from the two women who had cooked it. One asked me where I was from and to my surprise, I understood what she was saying. A simple but flowing exchange of words ensued. Progress! Later that day, I was able to meet some of the members of the Carmelita community, including Santiago, who worked as a guide in the area. A keen birder, he pointed out the rich wildlife as we spoke in broken Spanish and got to know one another. I learned he had a family and had been trekking in the area (known as the Maya Biosphere Reserve) since he was a boy. I could feel my confidence growing – that critical ingredient to learning a new language, and one I had been lacking. The fear of getting something wrong had often plagued my progress with languages as a child, and I still carried that with me. I'd often stumble over my words, doubting everything I knew and inevitably would fall silent in the simplest of exchanges. A few days later, we travelled to the beautiful lakeside town of Flores before catching a flight over to central Guatemala, famous for its volcanoes and historic colonial towns like Antigua. Walking around Flores' pretty cobbled streets, I noticed I was picking up bits of language around me. Signs, bus announcements, the odd word spoken between people on the street. Like a jigsaw puzzle coming together, it was opening up parts of the country that would otherwise have passed me by. I felt less like a stranger despite having never been there before. I was, however, also starting to discover the shortcomings of digital language learning. The app progresses you in stages and, as I'd not yet reached the past or future tense levels, I was still expressing everything in the present. This, of course, presented a problem – there are only so many times you can tell someone: 'I go here. I eat apple. I very fluent now.' So, Tim and I decided to enrol in classes at Ixchel Spanish school in Antigua. We opted for four hours of face-to-face teaching every day for a week, and were also given individual tutoring – intense, to say the least. My teacher, Irma de Guerra, wasted no time. Almost immediately, new phrases were flying – ' Dónde está … yo no sé … pido el menu …'. By the end of my first session, we were even covering vocabulary for bits of cutlery. As soon as the clock struck 5pm, Tim and I would bolt out the door and straight into a nearby bar, where we rewarded a hard day's learning with frosty cervezas (preferable to digital gemstones at any rate). By the end of the week, I was able to have conversations of surprising depth with Irma. We touched on music preference, men, and the best dishes in town (restaurant Rinconcito Antigueno's sublime wood-fired chicken and potatoes). We were even able to delve into the rather sombre topic of the rapid passing of time. To the amusement of my teacher, I relied a great deal on my miming abilities to get my point across – but nevertheless, it was a far more profound interaction than I'd have been capable of a week earlier. And this, I think, is the point. Language learning apps are a great way to establish the basics – but when it comes to learning a new tongue, there is no substitute for the trial and error of lively conversation. After my time with Irma, I was able to put my new skills to good use while exploring Central America more widely; thanks to her individual encouragement and gentle correction during our talks, I was no longer embarrassed about getting something wrong, and found that locals far preferred me to have a go than not try at all. As I travelled, I continued to converse as much as possible, and with each conversation, my abilities grew, and so did my understanding of each place I visited. Better yet, I didn't have to worry about losing my perfect streak. Essentials Journey Latin America (020 3936 0711) offers a 12-day Signature Guatemala trip from £2,620 per person, with stops in Antigua and the highlands, Lake Atitlán and its villages, and the Mayan archaeological site, Tikal. Finnair flies from London Heathrow to Guatemala City from £850 return. Pensativo House Hotel (00502 7955 5353) in Antigua has doubles from £140 per night, including breakfast.
Entrepreneur
23-05-2025
- Entrepreneur
Why Gamification Is the Secret Weapon for Modern Brand Engagement
Gamification turns everyday brand interactions into addictive experiences by tapping into human psychology, but it must be used responsibly. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In an era of dwindling attention spans and relentless digital noise, brands face an uphill battle to capture — and keep — consumer interest. Traditional advertising no longer cuts it; passive engagement is out, and interactive, reward-driven experiences are in. Enter gamification, the strategic use of game-like elements in non-game contexts to drive participation, loyalty and habit formation. At its core, gamification taps into fundamental human psychology — our innate desire for achievement, competition and instant gratification. By leveraging challenges, points, leaderboards and rewards, brands are turning mundane interactions into compelling experiences that keep users coming back. But how exactly does gamification work on the brain, and why is it so effective at deepening brand engagement? The neuroscience of gamification The secret lies in dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, pleasure and reinforcement learning. Every time we achieve a goal — whether completing a level in a game or unlocking a discount — our brain releases dopamine, creating a sense of accomplishment and urging us to repeat the behavior. Gamification exploits this loop by: Providing Clear Goals – Whether it's earning points, unlocking badges, or climbing a leaderboard, structured objectives give users a sense of direction. – Whether it's earning points, unlocking badges, or climbing a leaderboard, structured objectives give users a sense of direction. Offering Instant Feedback – Progress bars, notifications and celebratory animations reinforce effort, keeping users engaged. – Progress bars, notifications and celebratory animations reinforce effort, keeping users engaged. Creating Variable Rewards – Like a slot machine, unpredictable rewards (discounts, exclusive content) trigger compulsive engagement. – Like a slot machine, unpredictable rewards (discounts, exclusive content) trigger compulsive engagement. Fostering Social Competition – Leaderboards and social sharing tap into our drive for status and recognition. When executed well, these mechanics don't just encourage one-time interactions — they cultivate habit loops, where users return without conscious thought, much like checking social media or playing mobile games. Related: Gamification Is Eating The World The role of operant conditioning Gamification is deeply rooted in B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning, which explains how rewards and punishments shape behavior. Brands use: Positive Reinforcement (e.g., Starbucks rewarding stars for purchases) Negative Reinforcement (e.g., Duolingo's streak penalties) Intermittent Rewards (e.g., McDonald's Monopoly's randomized prizes) This conditioning keeps users engaged longer than predictable rewards, as the brain remains in a state of anticipation. From retail giants to fitness apps, companies are integrating gamified elements to boost retention, increase conversions and turn casual users into loyal advocates. Here's how: 1. Starbucks: Loyalty as a game Starbucks' rewards program is a masterclass in gamified retention. Users earn "stars" for purchases, unlock tiers (Green, Gold) and receive personalized challenges ("Buy three lattes this week for bonus stars"). The tiered system leverages loss aversion — once users reach Gold status, they're incentivized to keep spending to maintain perks. The result? Starbucks boasts over 32 million active rewards members in the U.S. alone. Key Takeaway: Tiered rewards create aspirational goals. Personalized challenges increase purchase frequency. 2. Duolingo: Making learning addictive Language-learning app Duolingo thrives on gamification. Streaks punish missed days, XP points quantify progress and animated celebrations reward consistency. The app even uses light punishment mechanics (a broken streak) to guilt users into returning. This approach has helped Duolingo amass over 74 million monthly active users, proving that even education can be habit-forming. Key Takeaway: Loss aversion (streaks) drives daily engagement. Micro-rewards (XP, badges) make progress tangible. 3. Nike: Turning fitness into a competition Nike's Run Club and Training Club apps use challenges, leaderboards and milestone badges to transform exercise into a social game. By allowing users to compete with friends and share achievements, Nike taps into social validation, a powerful motivator. The result? Increased app engagement translates directly to brand loyalty and product sales. Key Takeaway: Social competition enhances motivation. Milestone rewards (badges, trophies) reinforce commitment. 4. McDonald's Monopoly: Scarcity and instant wins McDonald's long-running Monopoly campaign blends instant rewards (free fries) with long-term goals (winning big prizes). The limited-time nature of the game creates urgency, while the tactile act of peeling stickers delivers instant gratification. The campaign has become a cultural phenomenon, driving repeat visits and boosting sales. Key Takeaway: Instant + delayed rewards maximize engagement. Scarcity tactics (limited-time offers) drive urgency. 5. LinkedIn: The subtle gamification of professional networking Even professional platforms use gamification. LinkedIn's profile completion meter nudges users to add more details, while endorsements and "Top Voice" badges incentivize activity. The platform's "Who's Viewed Your Profile" feature plays on curiosity and status-seeking behavior. Key Takeaway: Progress tracking encourages profile optimization. Social proof (endorsements) increases engagement. The dark side of gamification While gamification can deepen engagement, it's not without ethical concerns. When overused, these techniques can foster compulsive behaviors, particularly in vulnerable users. One major issue is the loot box controversy. Video games like FIFA Ultimate Team and Overwatch have faced backlash for loot boxes, which function like gambling by offering randomized rewards. Some countries have banned them, arguing they exploit psychological vulnerabilities. Another concern is how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok use infinite scroll and variable rewards (likes, comments) to keep users hooked. Studies link excessive use to anxiety and decreased attention spans. This raises questions about responsibility in gamified marketing. Brands must balance motivation with ethics. Best practices include transparency (clear reward odds, no deceptive mechanics), user control (opt-out options, time limits) and avoiding exploitative designs such as dark patterns. Related: 7 Ways to Boost Customer Retention Through Email Gamification The future of gamified branding As AI and AR evolve, gamification will become even more immersive. Emerging trends include AI-powered personalization, where platforms like Netflix — already using algorithms to recommend content — could introduce dynamic challenges (e.g., "Watch three sci-fi movies this week for a badge") and adaptive rewards such as personalized discounts based on user behavior. Augmented reality scavenger hunts are also on the rise. Brands like Pokémon GO's sponsors (Starbucks, Sprint) have successfully driven foot traffic using AR. Future applications might feature virtual pop-up shops where users scan QR codes to unlock deals or interactive billboards that offer coupons through mini-games. Blockchain and tokenized rewards are reshaping loyalty programs. These could include NFT-based rewards like exclusive digital collectibles and tokenized points that are tradeable on crypto exchanges. Finally, the metaverse is paving the way for persistent brand worlds. As virtual environments expand, brands may create permanent branded spaces — such as Nike's Nikeland in Roblox — or host virtual events with XP systems where users can earn VIP status by attending multiple events. Play to win Gamification isn't just about points and badges; it's about hacking human motivation. By understanding dopamine-driven feedback loops, brands can craft experiences that don't just capture attention — they own it. The lesson is clear: in the battle for consumer mindshare, the most successful brands won't just sell products — they'll design play. Yet, with great power comes responsibility. As gamification grows more sophisticated, brands must prioritize ethical design, ensuring experiences enrich rather than exploit. The future belongs to those who can balance engagement with empathy, turning users into loyal advocates, not addicts. The question is, are you playing the game — or is the game playing you?
