Badges, ranks, and post titles have been the staple of forum gamification for many years.
However, these forms of gamification are almost laughable because they’re so old and they don’t motivate members enough to see the value in them that we once saw.
Forum gamification needs to evolve beyond these surface-level rewards that we’re used to so that we can get members into it once again and that will result in engagement.
Many of these obsolete gamification features encourage quantity over quantity because they award members based on how much they post rather than what they’re posting.
Lastly, the gamification options we’re used to are often one-size-fits-all. Not every member is motivated to compete for the same award.
Turn member activity into a journey or a story to instill challenges, levels, tiers, and allow them to “mark things off their list” as they move forward on the forum.
Conduct peer-driven competitions and monthly events where members get a chance to vote. An example of this could be Member of the Month based on individual member behaviors and actions for that month.
Conduct collaborative group-based events and challenges to unlock milestones. The award is unlocked when a group comes together to achieve the same goal but it can only be achieved by a group.
Awards should be more than virtual icons. It should include feature unlocking, access to private events and discussions, early content, and even merchandise.
There will always be unintended behavior in your gamification system. This means members will do everything but what you want them to do in order to get the award. Advantage players are everywhere.
You will face fairness and balance issues. Try to avoid favoritism or systems that exclude casual members.
Gather feedback from members and staff who are participating. Improve the system based on their feedback.
Tie the rewards with desired outcomes. Align the incentive with quality contributions. If it’s being abused in order to get the reward, reevaluate and make changes to stop gamification abuse.
I’d love to know what you’re doing. Comment below and tell us how you’ve introduced forum gamification 2.0 on your community and let us know how it’s doing!
However, these forms of gamification are almost laughable because they’re so old and they don’t motivate members enough to see the value in them that we once saw.
Forum gamification needs to evolve beyond these surface-level rewards that we’re used to so that we can get members into it once again and that will result in engagement.
The Limits of Traditional Forum Gamification
Badges and ranks are overused. The novelty of this form of forum gamification fades off fairly quickly. Many members are accidentally collecting them or collecting them without that being a goal through thin and low-quality content and actions.Many of these obsolete gamification features encourage quantity over quantity because they award members based on how much they post rather than what they’re posting.
Lastly, the gamification options we’re used to are often one-size-fits-all. Not every member is motivated to compete for the same award.
What Does a Forum Gamification 2.0 Look Like?
Personalization. Create dynamic achievements and rewards based on individual member behavior. Don’t see gamification as awarding members, take away the s, and focus on awarding an individual member.Turn member activity into a journey or a story to instill challenges, levels, tiers, and allow them to “mark things off their list” as they move forward on the forum.
Conduct peer-driven competitions and monthly events where members get a chance to vote. An example of this could be Member of the Month based on individual member behaviors and actions for that month.
Conduct collaborative group-based events and challenges to unlock milestones. The award is unlocked when a group comes together to achieve the same goal but it can only be achieved by a group.
Awards should be more than virtual icons. It should include feature unlocking, access to private events and discussions, early content, and even merchandise.
Gamification 2.0 Ideas
- Seasonal and rotating challenges: Conduct monthly themes, contests, or quests that reset and keep things fresh.
- Unlockables: You could give access to custom themes, avatar options, or hidden sections for members who level up.
- Virtual Goods: Virtual currency (points or credits) can be collected and used to buy forum perks and access.
- Cross-Platform Gamification: Use your gamification ideas to cross-promote your social media, newsletter, or blog.
Pitfalls of Forum Gamification
Overly complex gamification systems can often overwhelm and fatigue members. It can also do the same to forum staff who have to keep up with it. The process needs to be simple and as automated as possible.There will always be unintended behavior in your gamification system. This means members will do everything but what you want them to do in order to get the award. Advantage players are everywhere.
You will face fairness and balance issues. Try to avoid favoritism or systems that exclude casual members.
Implementing Forum Gamification 2.0
Start small, expand as applicable. Introduce your new system and track its results.Gather feedback from members and staff who are participating. Improve the system based on their feedback.
Tie the rewards with desired outcomes. Align the incentive with quality contributions. If it’s being abused in order to get the reward, reevaluate and make changes to stop gamification abuse.
Final Thoughts
Our old way of gamification isn’t enough anymore. We need to focus on a 2.0 model where we emphasize on personalization, collaboration, and experiences over vanity metrics.I’d love to know what you’re doing. Comment below and tell us how you’ve introduced forum gamification 2.0 on your community and let us know how it’s doing!