Jesse Schell discusses the risks and benefits of gamifying work. While rewards can motivate, they can also backfire if they undermine autonomy and relatedness. Drawing from self-determination theory, people want competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Games are engaging because they provide feedback, progress, potential for success, and are designed for pleasure rather than duty. When gamifying experiences, it is important to focus on creating pleasure through challenge, story, discovery, and other engaging elements rather than just using rewards.

1. When Games Invade Real Life and Gamify WorkJesse SchellLearning 3.0Chicago - 2011

7. Choco-fication!

14. Rewards can Backfire

20. Self-Determination TheoryCompetenceRelatednessAutonomyI want to be good at what I do!I want freedom!I want to connect to others!

21. “Hafta”“Wanna”DutyFunWorkPlaySlaveryFreedomEfficiencyPleasure

23. Games are special because… They are interactiveThey are designed ENTIRELY for pleasure

24. Games provide:Clear FeedbackA Sense of ProgressThe Possibility of SuccessMental and Physical ExerciseA Chance to Satisfy Your CuriosityA Chance to Solve a ProblemA Feeling of Freedom

28. Pleasure is POWERFUL

29. Pleasure is COMPLEX

30. Pleasure is… CONTEXTUAL

31. Pleasure is… CONTEXTUAL

35. LaughterThrillDiscoveryFantasyStoryTriumphSensationChallengeExpression

36. GamifyPleasurize

37. You CAN make your experiences betterAsk yourself these simple questions:Given what I know about my guests…Why will they like this experience?How can I get them to like it more?

38. Thanks!Slides: jesseschell.comTwitter: @jesseschell Email: jesse@schellgames.com