Gamification is the introduction of games or game elements into a non-game experience. Not surprisingly, sports and games have a lot in common: they are both aimed at competition and victory.
Let’s find out why gamification in sports is so important.
Gamification is the globalization of sports.
You can play anywhere and anytime. This allows you to compete with participants from Japan, the US, or other countries. You are no longer tied to a physical location. While you are online, you are in the game!
An example is the Zwift cycling platform, which allows cyclists to be at home and compete online with other cyclists at the same time.
Gamification helps to attract generations Z and Alpha to participate in sports competitions.
GenZ and Gen Alpha are generations of technology. Existing computer games can lure children into a real game. Also – and even better – you can bring game elements to real sports.
For example, DashTag is a small sensor that provides personalized stats like in a FIFA game and displays them directly on the player’s phone. With the help of statistics, players can compare themselves with teammates or with their favorite heroes of the game.
Gamification makes it easier to learn new sports.
Games increase students’ interest and inspire them to achieve better results. Want to take it to the next level? Then first you need to master the skills of the first level! That’s why more and more children are learning to read and math through play. The same goes for sports.
Gamification is leading to new (techno)sports.
A prime example is Hado, which is gaining huge popularity in Japan and Singapore. In this game, users fight each other while actively moving in the real world.
Gamification is a great tool for attracting fans.
Fans are extremely important for the development of a sport. Gamification helps in building brand loyalty. Want to take a photo with one of your favorite characters? Or do you want your face painted in the colors of your team? All this can be done with the help of augmented reality and much more!