Is Gamification as a Service the Next Major Battleground for Startups?

Instead of businesses having to navigate gamification implementation themselves, there are now startups emerging that offer it as a service. They simply come up with ready-made tools that business owners can plug in and start benefiting from. With the global gamification market steadily growing, this appears to be a fertile battleground for startups.

What is Gamification as a Service?

If you’ve never heard of gamification as a service, you probably will in the next few years. It does exactly what its name describes, with companies in the sector offering their own gamification methods to businesses. These can be adapted to suit different companies’ needs as well, and they have the freedom to choose between different techniques such as points, challenges, and leaderboards.  

A lot of the ideas for gamification are taken directly from some of the world’s leading online industries that have mastered engagement. The UK casino market is a prime example of this, where games such as Piggies and Diamonds and Ultra Coins use gamification mechanics. There are also promotions that involve gamification, such as the opening of mystery boxes to reveal prizes.

Language apps like Duolingo also show the power of gamification in full effect. Learners complete challenges and collect XP as they progress through the levels, meaning that their progress is constantly rewarded. They’re encouraged to use the app every day to maintain a streak as well. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to break from a psychological perspective.

Which Startups Are Attracting Attention?

There are numerous startups in the gamification-as-a-service business that are making names for themselves and showing the potential for the industry. Mambo is a great example, as it provides various reward mechanics that businesses can simply plug into their own sites. On top of the engagement tools, the platform offers purchase tracking and coupon codes.

There’s also Gameball, which has a ready-made platform for companies to introduce challenges, streaks, and rewards. It also aims to offer personalised experiences, with different gamification methods designed for separate audiences.

Global Gamification Market is Growing Massively

Gamification is here to stay, and it’s likely to have an even greater influence over the next few years. In fact, projections suggest the market will grow massively and be worth approximately $112 billion by 2031.

This makes gamification as a service an excellent industry for startups to get into, as there’s potential to benefit greatly over the next five years. However, it’s crucial for companies in this sector to innovate so that they can stand out from the competition.

There’s a strong case to suggest that gamification as a service could be a major battleground for startups in the years ahead. Businesses in almost every industry want to implement gamification techniques, and having ready-made tools can make this much easier.