June 9, 2026
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Heong Weng Mak

Connecting Culture and Playful Learning with Jake Orlowitz of Wikipedia

Heong Weng Mak11 mins
as Jake Orlowitz of Wikipedia explained the many challenges faced by Wikipedia editors on the Gamification Revolution webinar. Last week, we featured the grantee to discuss how Wikipedia is utilizing gamification to train potential editors while reinvigorating its veteran editors.
Watch the full interview below to learn about:
  • What inspired Jake to propose and build the gamification project?
  • How Jake convinced the board of directors to implement the project?
  • What game mechanics were utilized to impart core editorial principles?
  • What were the quantitative and qualitative feedback upon implementation of the project?
  • What is the future roadmap upon successful implementation?
Be sure to also catch our next episode of the Gamification Revolution this Wednesday April 9th at 1 PM ET:



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Utilizing Octalysis to Boost Motivation with Yu-kai Chou

Heong Weng Mak01 mins
Last week, we featured gamification pioneer and partner of Enterprise Gamification Consultancy, Yu-kai Chou to talk about the various core layers of Octalysis Gamification framework and how it can be applied to real world scenarios.
Watch the full video below to learn about:
  • What is Octalysis Gamification framework and how it came about.
  • The significance of the learning order of the 8 core drivers.
  • Different cultural views on customization and ownership.
  • How context matters in design gamification.
  • Could Octalysis be a framework for human motivation.
Be sure to also catch our next episode of the Gamification Revolution this Tuesday April 1st at 1 PM ET:



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The Changing State of Gamification Loyalty Programs

Heong Weng Mak01 mins

This week, Gabe Zichermann returns with plenty of exciting announcements for our viewers covering GSummit 2014, talk about the evolution of loyalty programs and answer some questions from the audience.

Watch the full video to learn about:

  • The evolution and current state of loyalty programs
  • What is GSummit all about and how it came about?
  • New additional feature of GSummit: Hands-On Labs
  • Preview of prominent speakers and companies at GSummit
  • Expansion of Gamification Revolutions sessions

Check out the video below as Gabe gives everyone the lowdown. Be sure to also catch Dan Green, co-founder and CTO of Wikistrat on our next episode of the Gamification Revolution this Thursday at 1 PM ET.

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Gamify Vision Screening Process with EyeSpy 20/20

Heong Weng Mak26 mins

In order to detect vision disorders among students, schools have long relied on the venerable 150 year old wall chart to conduct vision screening. However, conducting wall chart examinations are not completely fool proof as students find various ways to game the process. Here is where a gamified vision testing system designed by nonprofit organization VisionQuest 20/20 may prove to be the solution.

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Newsgames: Changing the Face of Investigative Journalism in Brazil

Heong Weng Mak37 mins

“Print is out, digital is in.” These few words encapsulates the great shift occurring within the realm of mass media. With the explosive growth of digital content available on the internet, printed media is slowly falling into disfavor by reading audience. In turn, it is forcing mainstream news outlets into rethinking their modus operandi for story telling. One possible solution that has been steadily gaining credibility is the the application of newsgames, video games designed to adhere to journalistic standards.

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5 More Key Insights from the Enterprise Gamification Forum (Part 2)

Heong Weng Mak16 mins

Previously, we have discussed 5 key lessons drawn from the Enterprise Gamification Forum that would help organizations successfully deploy gamification. This time, we will look at another 5 key insights that organizations should take heed during the post implementation phase of the system.

  • Review and Reiterate
  • Search and Engage
  • Teaching Complex Topics with Gamification
  • Gamification is a Two-Way Ecosystem
  • Badges are not a band-aid
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5 Lessons for Marketers from Adweek’s Science of Gamification Panel

Heong Weng Mak16 mins

Last week, New York City hosted Advertising Week, an annual event where leaders and experts of the marketing industry gather to share their thoughts and ideas. Amidst the 200 events, the gamification industry shared the spotlight as Digital Flash hosted a panel discussion themed “Science of Gamification”. Below are the five key points drawn from the discussion panel.

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Newsgames: Three Positive Impacts on Audience Engagement

Heong Weng Mak48 mins

How newsgames can have a positive impact on audience engagement?

When was the last time you were engaged with a news article? Chances are, those reports will often be left as a mere afterthought. Even if an individual were to be interested about a particular subject, the means available for them to engage further are highly limited. However, a growing trend has begun to change that perspective and that is due to the emergence of newsgames.

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NSA Gamifies Surveillance Training: Ethical or Questionable?

Heong Weng Mak117 mins

There is a recent Der Spiegel report on the NSA gamifying its infamous international surveillance program, XKEYSCORE. Gleaned from a secret report entitled, “Tales from the Land of Brothers Grimm”, it detailed training procedures that were used to motivate NSA agents who are new to the program. Gamification mechanics were used such as how agents could earn “skilz” points and “unlock achievements” as they effectively use the training program. What was startling was that the report indicated the training procedure changed the perception of its users opinion on surveillance after a certain period of time.

Here at Gamification Co, we have covered numerous examples where gamified systems have been used for good in solving problems across industries. Nonetheless, there is a need to address the elephant in the living room where gamification is used for questionable means.

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J.C. Penny Sale Fail

5 Gamification Lessons From J.C. Penney’s Epic Sales Failure

Heong Weng Mak714 mins

Imagine if retailers decide that it will treat its customers fairly and honestly. There would be no more deceptions, no more tricks. Any item that was made and sold would be priced non-deceptively. Surely a well informed, objective customer would gladly embrace this honest approach to pricing if it makes shopping better for everyone, right? As J.C. Penny (JCP) and recently ousted CEO goes to show, this was unfortunately not meant to be.

In fact, Johnson’s new strategy was a complete and utter disaster.

So, what does the gamification industry have to do with the failed initiative of a retail department’s store? It may seem unintuitive that the gamification industry could learn something from a entirely different field. However, through the gamification lens, we are able to delve into key lessons of the gamification process.

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i-kifu

How Gamification is Finding Its Way into Japan’s NPO Sector with i-kifu

Heong Weng Mak012 mins

Since its first emergence of the word in 2010, the gamification movement has gained the attention of a wide range of audiences, reaching to all four corners the globe. From the corporate offices of America to the Streets of Hong Kong, gamification has made an impact in people’s daily life. Speaking of making an impact, non-profit organizations are realizing the potential gamification could be used as a tool for change and a organization called i-kifu based in Tokyo, Japan is aiming to do just that. Gamification Co had the opportunity to interview i-kifu founder, Nhat Vuong to talk about his web-based platform.

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PromiseUP, the Gamification App to Help Keep Promises

Heong Weng Mak25 mins

Remember the promise you made to your mom that you would call every so often? What about the other time you promised your boss that would not be late for work again? Or that promise you made to yourself that you will quit smoking?

Many individuals are capable of keeping to their promises, but there are also many others who are unable to do so. The fallacy of making promises is that there is no one else besides the person who is being made the promise to that will hold the individual accountable for his or her actions. As there is a lack of an immediate feedback loop, it leaves the individual complacent in accomplishing their tasks and making good on their end of the promise. A new IOS app, PromiseUP aims to change that by helping people to fulfill their promises.

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Why Gamification Matters as a Student

Heong Weng Mak08 mins

Playing games has always been a part of my experience growing up. From playing physical board games to virtual games on consoles and PC, each has its own unique sense of achievement and marvel. Yet, after playing all sorts of games over the years, there was a constant thought that ran through my mind. Somehow, the actions and experiences we undergo in the process of playing games conceals a deeper purpose.

Moreover, as a college student who has spent a considerable amount of leisure time playing video games, the nagging thought that games could possibly have some impact on my learning experience became even more apparent. Aside from the standard way of learning through formal education, could games mechanics observed in games and thinking through the lens of games actually help us in unforeseeable ways? Surely there is something more to video games than just playing it for fun?

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