Using Common Gamification Elements to Enhance Knowledge Sharing: The Effect of Score Keeping Function on Player Performance

Gamification, the use of game design elements in non-game contexts to encourage a desired type of behavior, have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Gamification attempts to harness the motivational power of games, however existing motivational models for video game play focus on how a game as a whole creates experiences of fun and they are not linked to the more granular level of single game pattern [7, 34]. A closer examination of game elements and their role in creating the underlying mechanisms of gamification may provide more insights regarding encouraging of desired type of behavior and participation.
We examine the effects of points and the score keeping function, a commonly elements of gamification, on player’s motivation and behavior in an online serious game for crowds. Based on our initial findings we discuss implications and continuance research.