Counterpoints & Cautions: the Use and Abuse of Game Mechanics

My last post covered how game mechanics are being used inside [video and social] games and in real world applications and why the use of game mechanics is good and engaging.

In this post, I look at what's being said about the dark side of gamification.  The following articles warning against the gamification of our world and the need, at a minimum, for more thoughtful application of game mechanics than the shameless application of manipulative and meaningless badges or achievements that we currently see in many places (including Social Games).

• Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges | ZDNet 
• GDC: Hecker's Nightmare Scenario - A Future Of Rewarding Players For Dull Tasks | Gamasutra
• GDC Presentation: Achievements Considered Harmful? | chrishecker.com (Video and Notes)

See my summaries and take aways after the jump:

Some Great Reading on Game Mechanics and Gamification

There have been a slew of great articles that have come out over the last few days on the application of game mechanics and user engagement.

• On a Hunt for What Makes Gamers Keep Gaming | New York Times
• Call of Duty Black Ops Multiplayer Blows Away Other Games on Engagement | Games Beat
• GDC China: Zynga's Tian On The Craft Of Social Games | Gamasutra
• The Game/Tech Industry's Tea Party | Huffington Post

Read my summaries and take aways after the jump.