How gamification is influencing the world of e-sports and online entertainment in general

Gamification is omnipresent in the online world today and is used in a wide variety of areas. This involves the use of video game elements in a non-game context. This means that aspects such as levels, XP, achievements, leaderboards etc. are even used outside of games to keep users' attention, motivate them and reward them for their loyalty. The use of gamification elements can be seen in e-sports and is used in various places in online entertainment. We take a look at the influence of video game elements outside the world of gaming.

Online entertainment relies on gaming elements

Gamification relies on elements of video games, but can be found in a wide range of online entertainment offerings. Platforms such as social networks, fitness apps, digital education programmes, streaming services and many more use game elements to retain customers. These include streaks, challenges and achievements designed to keep users on the ball and have more fun.

With online casinos, one area of traditional entertainment is utilising this technology to offer more interactivity and excitement. For example, players can take part in slot tournaments to climb up the leaderboard and secure the chance to win rewards. There are also some missions to fulfil, such as reaching 21 points in blackjack to receive achievements. The card game is based on luck, but with the right blackjack strategy you can improve your chances of winning and thus work towards the eventual achievements. Gamification elements are also used in casinos via loyalty programmes, as you can collect "XP" in order to level up and receive special rewards or privileges. These elements add interactive experiences to the gaming experience and make it more varied.

However, online casinos are not the only platforms that utilise such systems. Netflix, for example, generates an annual report for users that displays statistics, achievements and awards. Facebook, on the other hand, offers users milestone awards when they actively post in groups. Gamification elements are also particularly popular in fitness and educational apps to keep motivation high with the help of streaks, awards and rankings.

Gamification in e-sports

Gamification is inherently part of e-sports, but the video game elements are not only evident within a match, but also all around it. One of the most important aspects of e-sports is undoubtedly the leaderboards. Players not only compete against each other within the game to win, but they also want to climb up the rankings to secure prestige and rewards. In some games, there are different levels and badges that act as a kind of figurehead for a player's skills. Apex Legends, for example, has seven different ranks that players can reach in order to receive rewards and badges to show off. Only those who play and deliver continuously can secure these badges and hang them virtually around their neck.

Gamification is also used in e-sports to generate and retain viewers. On Twitch, for example, viewers receive certain types of points when they interact with a channel or streamer and watch their content. Once you have accumulated enough points, these can be converted into rewards. Twitch also uses various badges that appear behind the user name in the chat when certain requirements have been met. Once again, this triggers a feeling of achievement and recognition. Twitch Drops are also particularly popular, allowing viewers to receive free content such as Valorant skins by watching a certain stream or event for a certain amount of time. By streaming an event, you can then unlock in-game rewards. All of these elements make the streaming experience much more interactive and blur the line between player and viewer.

Gamification describes the use of video game elements to increase interactivity and motivation among users. The principle works and is used in many areas of online entertainment. The concept is also omnipresent in e-sports and creates competition and interaction among both players and spectators.