Games as incentive systems

Anyone who has ever played Dungeons and Dragons will know that it comes with its own points based reward system. Players amass Experience Points for solving puzzles, rescuing dragons and slaying damsels, that sort of thing, in a Tolkienesque fantasy realm.

The promise of Experience Points, which allow players to go up levels and gain new abilities and powers, provide the incentive for players to perform heroic deeds and pursue picaresque adventures.

In memory of Gary Gygax, the inventor of D&D, who died last month, we have been thinking about whether a reward system is a form of game. The operator of the incentive is the Dungeon Master, who creates a scenario, ie sets up a number of situations, such as selling products, for which players - End Users - can earn points.

But to take this further, adding a game element to a incentive campaign is a great way to add interest and competition to the incentive, and provide a framework or theme for marketing and communication material.

In the past we have created bespoke games as part of incentive campaigns for clients, including ones based on the theme of the World Cup, and pop music Christmas Number 1. They are a great way to add interest and topicality to ongoing incentive campaigns.

If there is anyone who wants us to create a Dungeons & Dragons or World of Warcraft style incentive for them, then please get in touch.