Level Up: How Video Games Revolutionize Design Beyond Gamification

Anton Kirichenko -

Gamification is more than just a high score chase. It’s redefining education and creativity by diving deeper than mere competition points. According to Fortune, game design holds the power to transform industries across the board.

The Next Play: Beyond Simple Gamification

Gamification may rest on leaderboards and win streaks, yet Lee Schuneman, Efekta Education Group’s chief product officer, argues for a broader lens. Schuneman, a veteran from game design powerhouse Rare, urges for a nuanced understanding. It’s about maintaining engagement—much like video games do—by evolving the learning environment.

Integrating AI to Elevate Learning and Play

Schuneman is at the forefront of blending gaming mechanics with education technology. At Efekta, 4 million students in Latin America engage with AI learning assistants, providing a blueprint for addressing the shortage of English and STEM instructors.

Interactive Worlds: AI and Game Design Merge

According to Xbox’s Haiyan Zhang, AI can unlock new realms of creativity by allowing game makers to craft experiences never thought possible. The memory-rich NPCs in NetEase Games’ “Sword of Justice” showcase how AI can enrich narratives and drive emotional player engagement.

Expanding Horizons: Preserving Gaming History

Bringing classics to new generations prompts AI to reimagine gaming history. By preserving the essence of games like “Pac-Man” through fresh experiences, designers connect past to future, ensuring a legacy endures.

A New Era of Gaming Experience

The industry’s pursuit of elevating the player experience leads to innovations. Xbox’s AI co-pilot is just a beginning, making games accessible even to the uninitiated. These innovations aren’t just tech marvels; they encapsulate the very spirit of play.

Video games are shaping more than entertainment; they are sowing the seeds of innovation across diverse sectors. By looking beyond scoreboards, industries from education to AI are set to benefit from the game design’s lessons on engagement and creativity.