Gamification. A Conceptual Critique to Move Forwards

Abstract

Gamification has become a considerable part of game culture. Alongside that, it has garnered significant support and criticism that has left researchers and practitioners polarized on their perception and utilization of gamification as a label and a practice. The aim of this article is to attempt a re-clarification of the gamification concept and to utilize the gamevironment analytical framework on a larger analytical scale that allows us to reflect on gamification and game studies as research fields. Based on that, I view gamification through the lens of gamevironments and provide directions for future researchers.