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 Work Jesse Schell Learning 3.0 Chicago - 2011

7. Choco-fication!

14. Rewards can Backfire

20. Self-Determination Theory Competence Relatedness Autonomy I want to be good at what I do! I want freedom! I want to connect to others!

21. “Hafta” “Wanna” Duty Fun Work Play Slavery Freedom Efficiency Pleasure

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

24. Games provide: Clear Feedback A Sense of Progress The Possibility of Success Mental and Physical Exercise A Chance to Satisfy Your Curiosity A Chance to Solve a Problem A Feeling of Freedom

28. Pleasure is POWERFUL

29. Pleasure is COMPLEX

30. Pleasure is… CONTEXTUAL

31. Pleasure is… CONTEXTUAL

35. Laughter Thrill Discovery Fantasy Story Triumph Sensation Challenge Expression

36. Gamify Pleasurize

37. You CAN make your experiences better Ask 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