The Secret Powers of Gamification

Not only does Gabe Zichermann know his stuff (you'll notice his presentation just flows without reference to notes), but the content of his presentation is highly relevant for teachers and learners.  In this talk recorded at The Next Web 2012, Gabe explains what the most powerful aspects of gamification really are.  I guess his sprinkling of a foul word here or there is intended to humanize his presentation, but the stories he shares stand on their own.  If you find 30 minutes, you'll encounter powerful examples that demonstrate:

Challenge + Achievement = Pleasure

Feedback + Friends = Fun

Rewards = Status or Access or Power or Stuff

The Future of Games

If you have the 30 minutes to spare, Jesse Schell's recent talk at DICE 2010, is quite a cage-rattler. The financial strategies that underpin many of today's games may be surprising, but there is no arguing the fact that today's games captivate an audience hungry for social play.

In 'Design Outside the Box' Jesse paints a future where point systems and emerging technologies form the scaffolding for an economy that is dependent upon gameplay.



Knowing such a world may be on the way: What role should gaming play in education?