For the Win

Gamification is a relatively new concept and is one that seems to be constantly evolving. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t people out there who are ready to imagine how far using game-like elements in a non-game setting can go and for what purposes.

Two students, Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo, have an eye towards the future of gamification and created a short film that shows it. The film’s main actor moves from one daily task to the next, collecting points as he goes, seemingly as a result of his demon-like eyes. Towards the beginning of the film, the task of cutting up cucumbers becomes a real life version of the “Veggie Ninja” application, minus the samurai and the resulting mess.  One of my favorite tasks he is capable of is entering a virtual closet and trying on various outfits, without ever leaving the couch. And finally viewers accompany him on his awkward and somewhat creepy date where he is given tips as the date progresses and ultimately reprograms his date when things aren’t going well.

Although trying on various outfits in a matter of moments without lifting a finger does sound tempting, I am not sure I want gamification to invade every aspect of my life to the extent that it is literally in my head. Thankfully there is currently no cause for concern because there is no telling if what is depicted in the film will ever be a reality. But Lazo and May-raz’s film shows us a glimpse of gamification without limitations or boundaries, quite possibly the future of gamification.

Tony Wan recently moderated a panel called Technology in Education: How Will it Change the Game? organized by the Churchill club. Wan would like to see the gap between general games and educational games close, and asks the panel questions to determine their thoughts.

Here’s what they said:

Noah Wardrip-Fruin (Associate Professor of Computer Science, UC Santa Cruz & Co-director, Expressive Intelligence Studio):

Noah has seen through his students that they are very motivated by making games.He feels it is important that people be able to step back and learn how to critique the systems that are being used. In an effort to expand gaming beyond the mathematical and scientific realms, Noah has just released a game called “Prom Week,” which teaches about bullying and being a good stranger.

When asked about the pitfalls and misconceptions related to gamification, he responded that the heart of games is play and not points, levels, and badges. Noah is interested in gamification to the extent that we re-think the core activity of gaming to focus on the aspect of play, which he calls “playification.”

(more…)