The document discusses the author's dislike of the concept of gamification while also expressing their love of games. The author argues that gamification fails to provide real meaning by just adding superficial game elements like points and progress bars. However, the author acknowledges games can express meaning through the stories and contexts they provide. In conclusion, the author has created their own game about gamification and existential crisis to explore these ideas.

2. I hate gamification…
 I hate the word
 I hate the meaning of the word
 I hate what the word implies about meaning
You can’t just add progress bars and points to things
and have it be a game. At least not a good one.

3. I love games…
 Why do I love games if I hate gamification?
 What are games?
 How is meaning expressed in games?
 What is really meaningful?

4. Meaning…
“Stories are how we create meaning
from experience.”
- Some lady I overheard

5. I posit…
 Points and progress bars are put into games
because they provide you an understanding of how
you are doing in context- they are an assignation of
meaning within an encapsulated story.
 You can’t just apply progress bars to life and expect
meaning. Life is not a story. Life is not a game.

6. Human nature…
 We crave tangible proof that what we are doing
matters. We’re not easily tricked, at least not for
long.
 We are not alone in our search for understanding
and acceptance. This is why we tell stories, create
games, & reach out for connection.

7. In conclusion…
 Gamification is a bastardization of meaning. A
mockery of truth. A thin veneer over a trite
manipulation.
So I made a game about it.
It’s called Gamification and the Existential Crisis:
http://www.philome.la/car0mur/gamification-and-the-
existential-crisis/play