Open Access

Eleni Thalmann

• Games are characterized above all by the fact that players naturally show a very high willingness to play. By using Gamification, one attempts to transfer this high motivational potential to other contexts by integrating elements of a game in a non-playing situation. This bachelor thesis deals with the research question of how Gamification can influence the motivation and performance of users. It discusses how a gamified system must be designed in order to get the best possible benefit. Furthermore, the risks of Gamification are named and measures to reduce these risks are mentioned. The methodology used is a literature search in which Gamification and its components are first defined, followed by a definition of motivation and performance. Furthermore, typically used game elements are presented and their effects are explained. Gamification is categorized according to two different approaches, differentiating between various types of Gamification. In order to explain the motivational effect, various psychological motivation theories are presented. The focus is on the self-determination theory according to Deci and Ryan, where the fulfilment of the needs of competence, autonomy and social relatedness are crucial for the emergence and maintenance of motivation. This theory is also used to understand performance improvements. By presenting practical experiments in which Gamification systems have been developed, it becomes apparent that Gamification can have positive effects on the motivation and performance of users, provided that the basic psychological needs mentioned above are addressed. However, negative effects and various risks that Gamification can entail were also identified. For example, the ability to work in a team, the self confidence of the users, and the quality of the work can suffer if Gamification is implemented incorrectly. For future research, it is essential to focus more on the interaction of different game elements, to differentiate between the quantity and quality of the achieved results, and to observe the long-term effects of a gamified system.