1. Gamification is new.
Tell that to Adam and Eve, who got history’s biggest level down on the Apple Challenge.
2. Gamification is a passing fad.
Why do people always say “passing fad?” Aren’t all fads passing? In any case, if it’s not new it can’t be a fad. What critics are referring to is digital gamification, which is new only because cheap mobile devices with more computing power than the Apollo space program are new. Unless the lights go out, gamification won’t either.
3. Gamification is worthless because it’s superficial.
Hey, you’re not lying on the beach or spending $150 at the salon for the benefit of your internal organs. Unless you’re at a wedding or a funeral, there’s nothing wrong with being superficial.
4. The name’s too ugly to last.
I get paid by the letter, so I love it. And you’re mistaken if you think length or awkwardness spells a word’s doom. Can you say “entrepreneurship?”
5. Gamification is no different from a game. It’s a distinction without a difference.
The Olympic events are games. The medal ceremonies with podiums and flags and national anthems are gamification. [Insert from Keith: Game lets people escape from the real world. Gamification lets people escape IN the real world]
6. Gamification is by nature less important than a real game.
Then why do people cry at medal ceremonies? Why do they mean so much? The scene at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when American runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fist on the podium as a expression of black pride is remembered to this day, long after the race itself was forgotten.
7. A lot of people won’t buy in.
Everyone already buys in, whether it’s fantasy football leagues or frequent flier programs or church raffles. Critics underestimate the degree to which people everywhere are already innured to gamification.
8. Gamification is a Science
Gamification is an art.
9. Gamification is easy.
Then you do it.
10. Gamification exploits people.
Bad gamification exploits people. Good gamification empowers them.
