Since time immemorial, humans have always played, whether to socialize or acquire new skills. In our increasingly connected societies evolving at a rapid pace, games have taken on unprecedented significance, to the point that they are expanding beyond their boundaries to enter other sectors such as events. Called gamification, this concept, which is gaining popularity, is a powerful tool for engaging your audience while conveying your key messages. Inventory of rules for gamifying your event.
Use game mechanics.
To use the concept of gamification effectively, it is essential to understand it. Thus,
gamification operates based on 5 different mechanics that correspond to 5 human behavioral dynamics:
- Points and/or badges symbolize a dynamic of reward;
- Challenges focus on achievement;
- Reaching different levels aims at seeking status and recognition.
- Rankings refer to the dynamic of competition;
- Giving relates to the need for altruism.
Think simplicity.
As always: the simpler and more accessible it is, the more you will gain the support of your audience. Proof of this is the success of Candy Crush and its predecessor Tetris! If you decide to organize a live quiz through an app, make sure that the registration time is not too long. Also, consider different types of devices. It is often easier to provide participants with a remote control or a well-configured phone than to use their own…
Think design.
Simplicity and design go hand in hand. Indeed, participants will enjoy themselves more and engage more with a game that they find attractive and well-made rather than with an outdated one. Don’t forget that design is also crucial for making your game easily understandable and accessible, and it contributes to the image of your event.
Think objectives.
Depending on your objectives, it’s obvious that you won’t set up the same type of game. If you want to capture your audience’s attention while ensuring that your messages have been conveyed, we recommend conducting a quiz. On the other hand, if you prefer to engage in conversation and gather feedback from viewers, ask questions that foster discussion in an application like Slido and display the responses of other participants.
Different objectives call for different gamification techniques: if you are organizing a fair and want all the booths to be visited, organize a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt that includes challenges or questions about the various exhibitors.
Think communication.
Thanks to its engagement power, games are a great tool for developing communication around your event. To engage your audience from the beginning, it can be interesting, for example, to encourage participants to give their opinion or answer a few questions right from the invitation. Down the line, with the thank-you email, it’s important to remind the winners if you organized a contest and to communicate about the success of the game.
Gamification is indeed a fantastic tool for engaging your audience and energizing your events, but not only that… In an era where data is king and the battle for attention is fierce, games also allow you to collect leads and transform a passive moment into an extraordinary interactive experience.