In the broadest terms, gamification is the use of elements and mechanics of play outside the context of playing (for example, in increasing the involvement of users in some service, or in increasing work efficiency).
Game is a serious matter. It is the basis of growing up and development of the self, and it is not limited to children (the average age of players is 42), or even to adults (animals also develop through play).
By letting us identify with certain roles and scenarios, play allows us to feel special and capable, to improve and be active, while also allowing us to learn, presenting us with problems we need to solve, facing us with a healthy dose of risk (freeing us from fear), and even encouraging us to go against our natural reactions (for example, bodyguards learn a new reflex of jumping “towards the bullet” to replace the natural reflex of jumping “away from the bullet”).
Our approach to gamification is entirely cooperative, meaning that participants do not compete against one another, but together seek ways to deal with and overcome shared challenges. Besides allowing us to acquire new skills and abilities for dealing with complex problems in a shared environment, such an approach also builds motivation and a sense of trust and emotional security in a group dynamic.
