Gaming has changed dramatically over the last few decades. From console-restricted titles to PC games that can be modded, today’s developers strive to engage players so they will stick around for the long haul. If that sounds familiar to you as a business professional, that’s probably because these same principles are held dear in the business world. The emphasis on customer retention has dramatically increased over the past decade, and today, big names in the business industry are using tactics and tools first utilized in video games to change how they interact with their customers.
This article explores how evolving gaming technologies and ideas have rubbed off on other industries and are shaping the way the business world operates.
When you think about popular video games, you might also think about the graphics and stability that make them great. Much of this is due to game engines. Excellent game engines allow developers to push the envelope when designing games, producing truly next-level visuals. One of the most popular of these is Unreal Engine.
In addition to helping developers create incredible video games, Unreal Engine is also used to render CGI for films and TV shows. Sharp-eyed viewers might also have noticed its use in digital showrooms in a variety of industries. Even the fashion world is taking notice! Couture powerhouse Balenciaga used Unreal Engine to create a game solely to showcase its new collections.
“Gamification” refers to the use of gaming elements in industries and activities that are traditionally unrelated to video games. For example, think of your favorite customer loyalty program. What features does it offer? This kind of program is increasingly using things like points, leaderboards, badges and even challenges to reel customers in and encourage them to buy. Modern loyalty programs do more than just track purchases and award free items or amenities. The name of the game is engagement, and businesses in all industries are vying for loyal and active customers.
One example of gamification in loyalty programs is MSI’s rewards program. This multi-tiered program encourages customers to complete various activities and challenges to ascend through four different tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum members receive better deals than Bronze members, so there is plenty of incentive to climb through the levels. Users can earn points by performing tasks like downloading and using the brand’s app, referring friends to the program and purchasing technology.
Note that MSI is only one example in a sea of gamified loyalty programs. Kipling, Costa Coffee and Delta are three more examples to explore. Gamification is also seen in industries such as online casino gaming. Many of the most popular apps in the industry utilize gaming tactics to encourage player participation in the hopes of getting access to great perks. Some casino apps like these ones even pay real money for user engagement!
Titles like The Witcher and The Last of Us being made into TV series by businesses such as Netflix illustrates the direct line of influence from gaming to the TV and film industries. Creating films and television shows based on highly popular and critically acclaimed video games offers developers and producers direct access to highly loyal and active viewers who are ready to engage and share their opinions at a moment’s notice.
From TV to retail stores and restaurants, video games have had an undeniable influence on the way modern businesses interact with customers. If you’re interested in learning more, use the information we’ve gathered about gamification to help you find additional examples.