How can gamification help when it comes to an increased engagement with the app? Is it possible to implement such features in other applications apart from mobile games? Most users are already introduced to reward systems typical to every gaming app. Such gaming dynamics refers to a better revenue as well as more entertaining approach.

Today, it is also possible to use the same tactics in other applications and result in an increase of users’ engagement. Gamification features have already proved to be efficient and attracting for the target audience. They really work. This time we are going to find out how game dynamics actually works.

Getting a reward

We all appreciate bonuses, prizes and rewards. They come as an inspiration for using an application again. It appears that rewards may be a great advantage not only for users, but also for the application owners. On the one hand, target audience gets what it wants. On the other hand, startups benefit from an increased engagement with the app. It means more revenues and better rates.

What are the best types of rewards for mobile applications? What are the app rewards to avoid? You can choose from several categories including:

  • The time spent in the app – a good option that encourages users to stay in the application for a longer period;
  • In-app purchases – a standard option used in many products today. It has also proved to be efficient enough and certainly worth considering;
  • Points and badges – those are certainly types of rewards we recommend avoiding. They do not bring any encouragement and appear to be empty in most occasions.

 

You need to implement a reward idea that will have some real value for the users.

For example, you can use the point model letting your customers exchange them into some worthy items or goods. They may include promo codes, gift cards and vouchers in exchange for physical or digital goods including games, premium versions and more. We have numerous examples of some biggest names in their industries implementing the same model. Starbucks offers a wide range of seasonal gift cards on any occasions. Users can exchange them for real goods and coffee specialties in the nearest coffee shop under the Starbucks brand. This is a good example of game dynamics inside the mobile application development. The list of rewards is endless. Apart from traditional gift cards, you can implement any of the following:

  • Stickers;
  • Promo codes;
  • Coupons;
  • Vouchers;
  • Exclusive emojis collections;
  • Virtual currency;
  • Flier miles;
  • Cash rewards and many more.

 

A good thing about such rewards is the fact they let users express themselves in different ways. For instance, they can use some bonuses to customize their profile inside the app or make it more recognizable highlighting some unique features, colors and backgrounds. A user will have more encouragement to use the application in case he or she will be able to change the color of the theme according to the mood. This is where we have reached the next issue of our article. Self-expression is another crucial stage when implementing game dynamics.

Users’ self-expression

The opportunity to express themselves is the main reason why user opt for social networks and other communication services. It is hard to stand out from millions of people in real life. Asocial platforms provides a great chance to come with some uniqueness and originality. Avatars, badges and other tools let people express themselves in different ways, which appears to be the main humans’ desire.

Customizable texts and images can be a good idea as a reward model to implement gamification features. We have an example of the Traces messaging mobile app. They provide a selection of different digital gifts that come as a combination of texts and images. At the same time, rewards include tickets for real shoes and parties. All you need is to get to a desired location and get your entry ticket.

You can follow the example of Drop Message startup. It provide award-winning location-based messaging experienced.

They established collaboration with various New York based brands including boutiques, coffee shops and c-stores. Users earn special rewards and can exchange them for physical goods in any venue from the list of application partners. Brand partnership is another good way to make some money from the application.

Achievements as a game dynamic feature

Achievements as the gamification feature can also appear to be rather efficient when increasing the level of engagement. For example, users can get an access to some special features or new levels after completing some stages. Achievements can include extra points, coins or bonuses in exchange for some prizes or digital goods. The level of achievements may vary considering the level of your users. You can think of some great features for returning customers as well as smaller achievements for new users who have just started using the app. It will encourage them to come back.

We all like showing off. You may let your users share their achievements via social networks highlighting great results in a game or unlocking some new great features other players do not have. On the one hand, your users will have a chance to boast their success. On the other hand, it will encourage others to use your app more to achieve the same results. No one likes it to be left behind. Humans like to take the challenge and compete with each other. Mobile application users are not an exception. Provide them a chance to compete and you will make your app a success.

Competition

We all like to compete in order to compare ourselves to others. We desire recognition and fame. App developers should consider this fact when implementing game dynamics in their products. Always keep in mind that your users are eager to win. Every time they lose, they will come back to make another effort. For this reason, using a leaders’ dashboard with overall standings and current records is a good idea. Provide users with special ranks and try to make them as competitive as possible. This feature does not always come in mobile games.

For example, a new original TwoFit app offers users a competitive approach to various household tasks. In other words, you can challeege4 your friend and relative when completing any workout routine and make it more entertaining and thrilling. The application displays final stats and results once the competition is over. Such gamification features has proved to be extremely efficient when encouraging users in fitness and healthcare apps. Sports and betting apps can also be a good choice to use this type of game dynamics. Mobile casinos and other products related to competition and winning currently use dashboards.

Status to take pride in achievements

Boasting high results is probably the most thrilling and exiting thing for every human. We like showing off our wins and achievements. We keep medals from school competitions and beauty contests in order to prove our status. The same thing is with mobile users. Statuses let them tell the world about their high results. If a user earns a high status, he or she certainly deserves showing it off. Facebook, Twitter and many other recognizable social platforms use the same model letting the status emphasize with the number of fans and followers.

Available tools for gamififcation

It does not matter what you actually opt for. Whether you prefer statuses, achievements, user ratings and levels, you will need some efficient tools to implement any of the chosen gamification features. They will provide some better KPI rates in addition to higher revenues ad user engagement.

As a developer, you can benefit from a selection of effective tools depending on the mobile platform you prefer. They may include:

  • Google Game Services;
  • Apple’s Game Center;
  • Amazon GameCircle

 

However, you should keep in mind that any of the above-mentioned tools are of no use whether you decide to develop your own application from scratch. They are good for custom gaming apps only. However, you can certainly consider some of the available libraries.

If you will make it and turn your app into a game, it will be a huge success featuring maximum revenue. Gamification is yet the only trusted way to make your product as entertaining and engaging as possible. It will make the target audience want to come back and use the application once again.