The 5 best talks on gamification [videos]

If you really want to know what gamification is, there is no better way to do so than with the talks from the leading experts in the field.

This article contains a selection of the most original and interesting videos addressing the keys of gamification and how to use gaming dynamics within the scope of education, society and the business world. Not to be missed!

[You can turn on subtitles at the bottom of the YouTube player.]

1 – Yu-kai Chou: Gamification to improve our world

In this video, one of the most well-known advocates of the benefits of gamification, Yu-kai Chou, explains the way in which the mechanics of games can make the world a better place. His talk is full of interesting examples regarding which psychological instincts could make gamification effective for nearly any activity. The sensation of urgency? Scarcity? An epic adventure? Learning and use of creativity? Yu-kai Chou explains virtually everything you need to know about gamification.

2 – Janaki Kumar: Gamification at work

How can gamification be used in a company? In this talk, Janaki Kumar, director at the SAP Design and Co-Innovation Center, explains (in a fun and personal way) how the working world can be transformed through gamification. “Human beings love to work. Human beings love to play. And gamification just gives us an opportunity to combine the two”, explains Janaki Kumar. Be sure to pay attention to the end of the video, which contains some of the simple techniques that this director has used for gamifying meetings at her company.

3 – Karl Kapp: Life lessons from video games

In this video, Karl Kapp summarizes many of the advantages of using video games for learning: their capacity for fostering alternative thinking, the real practice within the game and its elevated levels of motivation. This renowned author and expert also shares examples of video games that have been teaching surgical operations, aircraft piloting or corporate leadership for years.

4 – Gabe Zichermann: How games make kids smarter

Gabe Zichermann, one of gamification’s pioneers, explains the benefits that games have for children (and adults) in this video: capability for multitasking, improved self-confidence, greater brain activity, use of creativity and better motivation for learning. All this seasoned with a full spice rack of interesting examples during his 16-minute talk.

5 – Jane McGonigal: Gaming can make a better world

Are video games a waste of time? Video game designer Jane McGonigal thinks otherwise: games can help us improve the world, save the planet and even the human species. Their motivation, ability to make us believe in the impossible, develop creativity, teamwork and effectiveness in learning are only some of the capabilities with which video games could solve the problems of hunger, violence or environmental protection. An ambitious talk for the dreamer in all of us.