Gamification is a great way to maximize user loyalty and drive profits for your website. There are a variety of different ways to go about making the transition towards game-centric strategies. Firstly, gamification specialists like BigDoor Media have successfully made their business by replicating this model. These specialists provide the tools and expertise to companies and website owners looking to implement a gamified experience into their websites and digital media. For inspiration on how any concept can be gamified, the case study of uBoost is a great source for getting an idea of the limitless potential that is possible with the unique form of marketing.
BigDoor Media is one of several internet-based companies that provide virtual economy models, and intuitive game-based design mechanics to websites or applications. For companies seeking to gamify their digital media or internet-based media, BigDoor provides a valuable service in developing their site into a bustling interactive game. BigDoor can offer your site high score leader boards, entertaining Flash/Java games that can earn users points, and rewards for participation/competition with other site users. All of this gamification is of course in direct support of the ultimate goal (providing the services or goods being sold to the end user). BigDoor Media’s methods can result in dramatically increased revenue and page traffic for companies who utilise their beta software suites and consultation services.
As their homepage states BigDoor media realises “the digital world has a tendency to be a bit boring,” creating a strong demand (by both end users and companies alike) for their gamification strategies. For anyone seeking assistance on taking that first step into gamification and increased profitability, BigDoor is an effective source for further information on the process.
According to their homepage, uBoost is designed to work “across all age groups, curricula, and achievement levels” and provide educational staff innovative options for motivating their students for improved long-term behavior. Students can earn badges, and rank up higher over the course of their education and are pitted against fellow students, so there is inherent competition to remain “better than the rest” spurring children to outperform each other in their schoolwork. uBoost’s educational aide can be implemented by school groups for free (up to 50 student accounts, and 1,000 points awarded per month) which gives the perfect incentive for kids to stay interested in extra-curricular activities rather than participate in irresponsible behavior after school.
With BigDoor Media, uBoost, and an increasingly larger number of companies that are turning towards gamification methods, eventually the gaming revolution will be one mapping the direction and success in commercial business. As the success with the Nintendo Wii console has proven, there is a wide spectrum of potential game loving consumers who simply cannot pass up the entertaining prospect of a joyous experience. As a result, the Nintendo Wii has been sold to traditional non-gamers (the elderly and middle-aged parents who aren’t exposed to playing video games, but recognise the family orientated elements involved with the Wii console; casual gamers who dislike playing games without a social or ‘party game’ aspect attached; and several other demographics that were never before interested in gaming until the Nintendo Wii was released). The lessons that were true with the Wii remain true for today’s marketplace–gamification strategies will work for any potential customer as long as they enjoy having fun!