Game Mechanics

Is gaming like religion – a way of taking our minds off reality and indulging in unrealizable fantasies? Not according to Jane McGonigal, one of electronic gaming’s most articulate evangelists. According to McGonigal, gaming is real rather than a fantasy and it not only makes us better people but also improves the world. Indeed, McGonigal even suggests that we might need a 21st century political party which builds its message around the promise of gaming. Video ahead.

Bluefly, a small, publicly held online clothing retailer, is experimenting with adding game mechanics to its site to reward shoppers who watch videos, create wishlists, write reviews or read blog posts.