Gamification! I choose you!

Dr Ace Hulus writes that when it comes to L&D borrowing practices from the gaming industry, the motto is “Don’t Gotta Catch ‘Em All”

Gamification in learning is evolving, with engagement techniques becoming more closely aligned with those of the gaming industry. But whilst adopting ideas from gaming might seem like a winning strategy, not every approach is suitable, especially in an ethical sense, when it comes to learning.

Like a child’s first game of Pokémon, it’s easy to get carried away with a “Gotta catch ‘em all” mentality to collecting every unique gaming-industry approach for your L&D content. But as seasoned players know, not every cute creature is worth adding to your party, and some of them can evolve into monsters with unforeseen and negative consequences for your learners.

Professor Oak’s Warning: Not Every Practice is Worth Catching

In the original Pokémon game, Professor Oak was the player’s guide, introducing you to the world of pocket monsters. And just as he cautioned that tall grass can be treacherous without proper preparation, the gaming industry’s rapid evolution has given rise to rather wild practices that learning developers shouldn’t adopt without careful consideration. Whilst Pokémon’s motto may be ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All,’ the gaming industry requires a rather different approach: Don’t Gotta Catch Em All.

When borrowing techniques from gaming, there may be some that appear like harmless Pokémon, designed to boost learner engagement, but could actually be malicious. The bad guys of Pokémon, Team Rocket, would often use these tactics, deploying schemes that on the surface may appear beneficial, but ultimately undermine the very learning communities we are trying to support.

The Wild Encounter: The Addiction of Random Rewards

Loot boxes might look as tempting as capturing a fiery flying Charizard, but they’re more like a shape-changing Ditto. They appear valuable, but may also have a negative impact. Loot boxes in gaming are often tied to monetisation - players pay a nominal amount of money to unlock a hidden reward. The monetisation of learners via this technique isn’t yet as prevalent, but the risks are similar to those in gaming.

These randomised reward systems can trigger addictive behaviours by exploiting the brain’s reward centres, especially in the younger generation. The unpredictability of the reward can cause learners to become fixated on the ‘game’ rather than the learning itself.

Trainer’s Choice:

Avoid random reward mechanics that distract from the learning process. Instead, provide transparent progression paths and rewards that are clearly tied to specific, meaningful achievements. No false promises, no hidden surprises, just honest and valuable learning.

Team Rocket’s Latest Scheme: Data Privacy Violations

Team Rocket was famous for employing deceptive techniques to steal Pokémon, and unfortunately, some gaming companies use similar deception to obtain players’ data. Personal details, gaming patterns, and biometric identifiers are being collected without obtaining appropriate consent or implementing adequate security measures.

Companies treating player privacy like a Pokémon they can trade without permission isn’t in the spirit of fair play, and learning organisations should leave this strategy well alone; instead, mirror the respect Pokémon trainers show for their Pokémon by respecting the digital autonomy of their learners.

Super Effective Strategy: 

Implement robust data protection measures. Give learners control over their information. Allow users to specify their data sharing preferences, much like choosing a Pokémon for a battle.

Evolution Time: From Toxic to Inclusive Learning Communities

Inclusivity in the gaming community has not yet evolved significantly. Numerous online platforms currently mirror the initial phases of Pokémon contests, presenting competitive settings that appear to cater exclusively to specific “types.”

Unfortunately, even online learning communities can be plagued with toxicity; different personalities, skills, and ideals can turn knowledge forums into Pokémon-style battlegrounds. It takes a strategic approach to break up these battles and instead promote a friendly, collaborative environment.

Inclusion Evolution Chain

Toxicity > Moderation > Inclusive Community

Effective community management does not involve censorship. The goal is to create environments where everyone can have a rewarding experience, regardless of their origins, self-perception, or level of expertise. Envision it as the management of Pokémon Centres: protected areas where one can recover and gear up for the next challenge.

The Elite Four of Ethical Gaming

In Pokémon, the Elite Four are a group of highly skilled Pokémon trainers who are considered the strongest trainers in a region, with each member specialising in a specific Pokémon type.

Similarly, key principles of ethical gaming serve as the definitive measure of the industry’s development and should be considered when borrowing techniques for learning:

• Transparency ChampionPromote transparent communication regarding monetisation, data utilisation, and gamification mechanics.

• Accessibility MasterAccommodate users of all skill levels. Just as Pokémon introduced features like colourblind-friendly options, learning should be designed with accessibility in mind.

• Sustainability SageEnvironmental Responsibility in Learning Development and Distribution. The Pokémon world teaches us about balance in nature. The industry should adopt a similar approach.

• Labour GuardianFair working conditions for developers. Even Professor Oak had assistants, and he treated them well.Crunch culture in gaming is like forcing Pokémon to battle until exhaustion. It’s harmful and ultimately counterproductive. Treat your learning development team with respect!

Legendary Encounters: AI and Machine Learning

AI has impacted both the gaming and learning industries, much like encountering a legendary Pokémon. It is extraordinarily powerful, but it needs responsible handling. Developers must ensure that the AI systems implemented for behaviour analysis, or adaptive difficulty, do not manipulate users or establish unfair advantages.

Master Ball Moment

The most ethical applications of AI improve the learner’s experience while preserving their autonomy. These tools aid users in their progress, rather than imperceptibly influencing their decisions.

The Pokémon League of Stakeholders

Creating ethical learning standards, whilst borrowing from gaming, requires bringing together different types of people:

• Learners: The heart of every Pokémon journey

• Developers: The Pokémon trainers

• Educators: The Professor Oaks, sharing knowledge

• Mental Health Professionals: The Nurse Joy-style healing communities

• Regulators: Pokémon League officials ensure fair play

Gym Badge Challenge: Building Your Ethical Framework

Each ethical principle is like earning a gym badge in Pokémon. It’s a mark of progress toward becoming a Pokémon Master of learning development:

•  Transparency Badge: Clear, honest communication with learners 

•  Privacy Badge: Robust data protection and user consent 

•  Inclusion Badge: Welcoming communities for all 

•  Accessibility Badge: Gamification for everyone 

•  Sustainability Badge: Environmentally conscious development

•  Fairness Badge: Ethical reward and labour practices 

•  Innovation Badge: Responsible AI and tech use 

•  Community Badge: Healthy online environments

Team Up: Cross-Industry Collaboration

Just as Pokémon trainers often team up for double battles, L&D can learn from other sectors facing similar ethical challenges. Strategies can be found within the technology sector’s user privacy practices, the entertainment industry’s content rating systems, and healthcare’s patient protection protocols.

The Champion’s Path: Cultural Sensitivity

A true Pokémon Master respects different regions and their unique customs. Similarly, ethical frameworks must consider diverse cultural perspectives on learning, gaming, competition, and digital interaction. What works in one town might not work in another. Global ethics require regional sensitivity and adaptation.

Call to Action: Join the Elite Trainers of Ethical Gamification

The learning industry stands at a crossroads. Much like a trainer choosing their starter Pokémon, our current choices will define whether we become exemplary leaders for our learning communities or succumb to the challenges that have affected other sectors.

For Learning Developers:

• Start Your Journey: Implement transparent practices immediately

• Evolve Your Approach: Invest in inclusive design and accessibility features

• Master Your Craft: Establish clear ethical guidelines for AI implementation

• Become a Champion: Lead by example in labour practices and environmental responsibility

For Learners and L&D Communities:

• Use Your Voice: Support companies that prioritise ethical practices

• Share Your Experience: Report problematic practices and celebrate positive changes

• Join the League: Participate in discussions about ethics and industry standards

For Educators and Researchers:

• Prove Your Knowledge: Continue researching the impacts of gamification on players, learners and society

• Train Future Leaders: Integrate ethics into gamified learning development and computer science curricula

• Bridge Learning Communities: Facilitate conversations between industry, academia, and players

For Policymakers and Regulators:

• Set the Rules: Develop thoughtful regulations that protect learners without stifling innovation

• Support Research: Fund studies on gamification’s social and psychological impacts

• Foster Collaboration: Create spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue

The Ultimate Challenge

Both the gaming and L&D industries require advocates who will champion ethical practices. Together, we can catch the practices worth keeping and release those that undermine our learning communities back into the wild.

Remember: when adopting practices from gaming, you don’t gotta catch ‘em all. You gotta catch the right ones.

Because every great trainer knows, it’s not just about catching Pokémon. It’s about caring for the ones you choose to journey with.

Dr Asegul (Ace) Hulus is an Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Researcher and Author in Computing, and a regular contributor to Dirtyword.

Learn more about her work and connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asegulhulus/