What is gamification?

Gamification, applied games and serious games are all terms that you have undoubtedly come across. They mean that games and game principles can serve a more serious goal than just entertainment.

At Grendel Games we develop gamification apps that use the entertainment value of games to bring about a positive behavioral change.

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The power of gamification

Gamification informs, motivates and incites action with the player. The app greenhabit is a good example of this. This gamified app creates lasting behavioral changes for a healthy lifestyle by:

Setting goals.
Offering achievable challenges.
Giving the player insight in their progress.
Rewarding the player for results.

Another example, the water company Vitens has used the Water Battle game to make households aware of their water usage:

The game rewards players for setting saving goals and reaching those goals.
It provides players with insights into their water usage.
By playing together, household members motivate each other and work together to reach their common goal.

Not only was the Water Battle seriously entertaining, but it also led to a water usage reduction of 7%!

Scientifically validated

During the development of gamification apps and serious games, we involve researchers and domain experts to test the game’s effectiveness. An example is the game Reducept. In this game, players learn to manage their chronic pain. The techniques in the game are based on several papers and research articles as can be read in the whitepaper. By implementing these techniques as a fun and simple game, players can drastically reduce their perceived pain.

Watch how Reducept made a difference

Examples of gamification

Collect badges for healthy habits

Save water with the Water Battle

Visualize complex processes

Track your progress towards a healthy lifestyle

Reduce chronic pain

Rewards for your hard work

We do it together!

No two questions or problems are the same. We have adapted our process for this through 15 years of continuous improvement of our methods. The dialogue between stakeholders in a project is very important here. That is why we strive to build good relationships. This way we create a cooperation where we appreciate each other’s input and creativity. According to your feedback and that of the development team, we implement changes to the product. All this to make sure that the development of the game is aimed towards your wishes and those of the target audience.

What our clients say about us

“Grendel Games and UMCG were united in their professionalism and commitment.”

Henk ten Cate Hoedemaker, surgeon and mastermind behind Underground

Together we created a gorgeous serious game. Research translated to fun and effect!

Ate de Boer, director Effectief Onderwijs

“Grendel Games are fantastic at visualising, and that gives the game its added value. It’s really well put together.”

Micha van Aken, business development manager at Vitens

Want to know more?

tim-laning Are you enthusiastic about the possibilities of gamification? Do you want to know more about what the unique combination of entertainment and research can do for you? Contact Tim Laning to brainstorm about the possibilities for your specific question:

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