With the rise of social gaming, there's a huge opportunity for brands to create marketing games that are able to show off the features of a new product or service, offer incentives or even just a fun way to pass the time.
These examples of gamification take the form of apps or experiences that encourage play in real life. By nature, most games are fun, which is what makes them great for giving mundane products a boost. Although there are plenty of games that will satisfy your need for action or adventure, sometimes a game doesn't even have to be exciting for it to be successful, as proven by the extremely frustrating Flappy Bird, or classic arcade games with a nostalgia factor. Taco Bell's 'The Waiting Game' is a fantastic example of how a game can be intentionally tedious, boring, and still something that people want to play because there's a desirable prize to be won at the end.
28 Online Marketing Games
26
Soccer Hospitality Campaigns
TripAdvisor Makes Predictions for Wins Based on World Cup Hotel Stays
25
World Cup Fry Packaging
McDonald's World Cup App Turns the Iconic Fry Packaging into a Soccer Game
24
Shark-Inspired Automotive Games
Volkswagen Shark Week Campaign Features Shark-Centric Car Games
23
Mind-Controlled Gaming Billboards
Mindpong Uses Interactive Billboard Advertising to Beat Cancer
22
Gamified Social Accounts
Adidas' Social Media Campaign Turns Instagram into a Game
21
Interactive Social Adventure Games
This Instagram Hosts an Interactive Choose Your Own Adventure
20
Interactive Avatar-Making Billboards
McDonald's Little Piccadilly is an Interactive Advertisement
19
Period Arcade Games
Kotex Advertises Its 3D Capture Core Pads with Two Marketing Games
18
Retro Diner Arcade Apps
Denny's Atari Remix App Turns Arcade Classics into Breakfast Games
17
Fantasy World Cup Apps
The FIFA 14 by EA Sports App Lets You Build a World Cup Fantasy Team
16
Facebook-Controlled Foosball Tables
The Lidl Fan Cup Let World Cup Fans Compete Remotely
15
Playful Soccer Vending Machines
The Pepsi Football Vending Machine Tests Your Soccer Skills
14
Song Snatching Apps
Air France Music Utilizes Augmented Reality to Let Flyers Download in the Sky
13
Urinal Football Games
Captain Morgan's World Cup Game Campaign Takes Place in the Washroom
12
App-Connected Commercials
McDonald's Fruit Match Commercial Plays a Game with Smartphones
11
Unifying Sports Campaigns
Carlsberg's Border Football World Cup Campaign Unites the Divided
10
Interactive Melting Advertisements
Virtually Cooling McDonald's Ice Cream Ad Promises a Treat
9
Competitive Vending Machines
Knacki's Vending Machine Game Pit People Against Leo Van Der Elst
8
Mobile Phone-Snooping Games
Norton's 'Enjoy Your Privacy' Game Shows Mobile Security Breaches
7
Kinetic Racetrack-Building Games
KIA's GT Ride App Lets You Build a Racetrack by Moving Your Body
6
Shoppable Dress-Up Games
Covet's Fashion Game App Lets You Try on and Buy Designer Clothing
5
Workout-Encouraging Subway Stations
This Exercise Machine Trades Squats for Subway Fares
4
Online Soccer Scavenger Hunts
This World Cup 2014 Campaign by Adidas and Google is Interactive
3
Interactive Gaming Campaigns
Perrier Takes on the Gamer Market with a First-Person Party Game
2
Interactive Injury Games
Spencers Solicitors Launches Game Called 'Should They Claim?'
1
Tedious Lineup Games
This Taco Bell Game Simulates the Torture of Waiting Around in Line
Related Ideas
Free PC Games
Ocean Of Games Offers Free Full-Version PC Game Downloads Online
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Gamified Budgeting Apps
Bread Budgeting Turns Monthly Budgeting Into A Gamified Challenge
Show-Inspired Marketplace Campaigns
Facebook Marketplace x Netflix Launch a Bridgerton Experience
Experiential Convenience Stores
FamilyMart Announced IP-Centered Store Experiences in Japan
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Next-Gen Jelly Bean Campaigns
Jelly Belly Bean Appétit Entices a New Generation of Fans
Gamified Holiday Promotions
Starbucks for Life Merrython Blends Gameplay with Prize Giveaways
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Browser Game Platforms
RetroGames Lets Users Play Classic Console Games Online Instantly
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Gamer-Targeted Donor Campaigns
Virtual Donors Turns In-Game Deaths into Real Registrations
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Real-Food Entrée Giveaways
The Chipotle Realest 30 Will Share a Text-to-Claim Code on Game Day
Gamified Productivity Apps
The 'do the frog' App Prevents Procrastination
Face-to-Face Game Consoles
Board Merges the Best Features of Board Games and Video Games
Gen-Z-Targeted Language Platform Campaigns
Duolingo Introduces its Character-Driven 'Duolingo Ads'
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Customizable Console Bundles
Nintendo Paired Switch 2 with a Pick-your-own Digital Game
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Gamified Snack Packaging
Hershey’s Released Pokémon Chocolates with 151 Collectible Foil Designs
Offline Mobile Games
Airplane Mode Games Lets Users Play Fun Games Without Internet Access
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
Chaos Entertainment Apps
'hmmmmm' Delivers Unpredictable Games for Spontaneous Fun
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Gamified Walking Experiences
Walkable Turns Everyday Walks Into Interactive Adventures
Gamified Sports Rewards
Mountain Dew Links MLB Home Runs to Real-Time Free Drink Rewards
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
College Gameday Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Good Game Amps Up School Spirit
Interactive Fashion Games
Gucci La Famiglia Mystery Unfolds Turns the Collection into a Game
Burger Ad Campaigns
Burger King’s New Campaign Suggests Even Babies Can’t Resist the Whopper
Shoppable Microdramas
Crocs and SuperOrdinary Turn TikTok Storytelling Into Shopping Experiences
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Destination-Branded Transportation
Themed Taxis Promote Scottish Travel During Major Soccer Events
Gamified Productivity Applications
BeeDone Combines Goal Tracking And Gamification For Motivation
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Photocopied Fast Food Campaigns
McDonald's Office Delivery Ads Scanned Popular Menu Items
Instant Micro-Entertainment Tools
Boring Button Delivers Quick, Random Online Fun With One Tap
Bubble Wrap Billboards
Tombola's Interactive Billboards Engage Passersby with a Sensory Activity
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
Experience-Enhancing POS Retail Apps
MomentScience Reveals MomentApps
Gamified Grocery Activations
The Asda Check-Out Challenge Leveraged a Nostalgic Game Show Format
Culture-Driven Product Launches
Church’s Texas Chicken launches Churchie Sauce with a local event
Gaming Wearable Devices
Tetris Watch Combines Classic Gameplay with Smartwatch Features
Content-First Shopping Experiences
Gopuff and SpaceXAI Launched Go, a Personal Shopping Genius
Personalized Telehealth Service Platforms
Enhanced Reports Success of the Inaugural Enhanced Games
Football-Focused Venue Marketing Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Delivers on Social Atmosphere & Dining
Gamified Habit Trackers
Cozy Habits Invites Users to Build And Track Daily Habits
Incentive-Based Athletic Challenges
Gains App Blends Sport, Social & Monetary Incentives
Online Gaming Portals
Best Website Games Offers Accessible Browser-Based Games Anytime
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Gaming Trivia Apps
Retro Game Trivia Offers Daily Retro Gaming Quizzes And Fun Facts
Game-Inspired Energy Drink Campaigns
Monster Energy Piggybacks on the New Call of Duty Release
Mobile Puzzle Games
Cat Tile Match Offers Engaging Tile-Matching Gameplay For Mobile Users
Localized Retail Media Platforms
Snappy Shopper Launches Connect, a Retail Media Network
Music Sharing Games
What Song Lets Friends Share Songs And Stories Together Instantly
Gamer Mealtime Campaigns
Telia's Dinner Assassin Helps to Get Teens to the Dinner Table
Interactive Party Games
Scano Games Lets Friends Play Real-Time Multiplayer Games On Their Phones
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Indie Game Directories
Lovable Games Curates Unique Indie Games For Gamers And Developers
Idle Clicker Games
Duck Duck Clicker Lets Players Earn Rewards Through Simple Gameplay
Screen-Free Interactive Gaming
tonies and Hasbro Turn Classic Board Games Into Audio Adventures
Engagement-Focused Gaming Platforms
The Money Factory's New Platform Deepens Connections
Interactive Content Sharing
STIK App Lets Users Publish Content Directly On Physical Products
Gamified Destination Tourism
Connecticut Launches Rewards Platform for Local Exploration
Fruit Puzzle Games
Watermelon Game Lets You Merge Fruits Into A Fun Puzzle Challenge
Vibe-Coded Entertainment Apps
The Gizmo App Cycles Through Vibe-Coded Mini Apps
Searchable Gaming Platforms
Search to Play Helps Users Discover, Track, And Share Video Games
Associative Word Games
Word Puzzle: Connections Challenges Players To Group Words By Traits
Hobby-Based Socialization Apps
The Hobbimate App Connects Users Based on Mutual Interests
Immersive Sports Marketing Campaigns
BMO's "Grow the Game" Campaign Celebrates the FIFA World Cup
Casual Mobile Games
Flappy Ball Offers Fun And Engaging Gameplay For Quick Entertainment
Relationship Engagement Platforms
PartnerSheep Helps Couples Connect Through Games And Quizzes
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Mascot Sumo Showdowns
Duolingo Launches Playful Event Featuring Gaming Icons and Cultural Mascots
Therapy Gamification Apps
Speech Play App By IdeaBrowser Turns Practice Into Play
Gamified Learning Platforms
Pineapple Cactus Turns Learning Into A Game With XP Daily Streaks
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Wine Learning Apps
Yumigo Gamifies Wine Education Through Playful Quizzes And Interactive Learning
Tabletop-To-Digital Franchises
Descent Expands into a Cooperative Tactical RPG Experience
Sports Advertising Moments
Genius Sports Found Emotional Sports Moments Can Double Ad Recall
Lifestyle Gaming Ecosystems
Nintendo Extends Music Access Beyond Its Consoles
Interactive Engagement Platforms
Playda Enables No-Download Games At Work And Events
App Promotion Marketplaces
Boost Downloads And User Engagement With Indie App Santa’s App Features
Spatial Bubble Games
Bubbles Everywhere Offers Immersive Bubble Popping on Apple Vision Pro
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Daily Word Games
Letterbox Offers Unique Daily Word Games to Challenge Your Mind
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Seasonal Spin & Win Campaigns
Spar Scotland Launches 'Spin into Spring' Game
Creator-Inspired Board Games
MrBeast Brings His Viral Challenges and Competition Style Home
Mobile Sports Simulation Gaming
MLB The Show Brings Team Building and Gameplay to Mobile
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Branding Game Interfaces
Monday Nights Shapes CLUB with Sculptural Interface and Identity Design
Retail Beverage Experiences
The Paper Store Uses Custom Drink Stations to Boost Engagement
Casual Game Platforms
Brainrot Game Delivers Addictive Online Play With Competitive Features
Memory Reward Games
Airtime Puzzle Rewards Users With Free Airtime For Memory Game Success
Word Puzzle Games
Jumble Joy Offers Brain-Training Puzzles Through Letter and Word Games
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
Social Challenge Platforms
ChallengeMe Lets You Create and Share Fun Tasks With Friends
In-Store Ad Networks
ISM Powers Programmatic Advertising Across Retail Locations
Curated Shop Display Mechanics
Spellgarden Games Launched the 'Thrifty Business' Game Demo
Gamified Productivity Apps
Solo Quests Turns Goals Into XP-Based Challenges To Build Routines
Service-Backed Recommerce Platforms
Commonplace Launches Marketplace With Built-In Delivery
Competitive Word Games
Lingo Battle Challenges Players With Quick-Thinking Word Matches
Interactive Knowledge Plays
TriviaBlaze Offers Engaging Quizzes To Test Knowledge in Categories
Digital Focus Companions
The Focus Friend Charts Its Rise Through an Adorable Productivity Twist
Interactive Geography Games
City Quiz Fun Tests Your Global Knowledge With Timed Challenges
Condensed Franchise Mobile Gaming
Borderlands Adapted Shooter Gameplay into Short Mobile Missions
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Gamified Fitness Platforms
uRace Motivates Athletes With Gamified Challenges & Global Competition
Puzzle Shooter Games
Bubble Shooter Game Delivers Relaxing & Addictive Puzzle Gameplay
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
Fitness Gamification Apps
Avatone Turns Real-World Workouts Into Character Progression
Vocabulary Puzzle Games
Word Search: Chase Letters Boosts English Skills With Fun Puzzles
B2B Sales Simulators
Belkins Challenge Gamifies Appointment Setting To Enhance Sales Skills
Monster Memory Puzzle Games
Pokemon Memory Game Offers A Fun, Multi-Level Memory Challenge
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Interactive Demo Platforms
Arcade Enables Fast Creation And Embedding Of Interactive Product Demos
Gamified Wellness Platforms
HealthGame Turns Healthy Habits Into Fun, Interactive Daily Challenges
Interactive Growth Tools
AppStorys Integrates Interactive Growth Tools Into Apps Or Websites
Interactive Entertainment Tools
Quiz Cabin Turns Curiosity to Playable Quizzes & Brain Challenges
Gamified Task Managers
ChoreQuest Turns Daily Chores Into Rewarding Gamified Experiences
Gamified Gold Rewards
Planet Gold Rush Offers Real Gold Prizes Through Daily Tournaments
Brand Recognition Games
Product Guesser Tests Brand Recognition Through Interactive Play Tool
Gamified Habit Trackers
Habit Dice Turns Habit Building Into a Fun and Rewarding Game
Kids Nutrition Apps
Yum Yum Go Teaches Healthy Eating Habits Through Interactive Games
Casual Game Discovery Apps
PizzaSlice Helps Users Find Relaxing, Chill Indie Games Easily
Puzzle Game Apps
Ahhhh Weekly Crosswords Delivers Social Puzzle Games With Leaderboards
Arcade Game Revivals
Snake Classic Revives The Arcade Game With Modern Features And Challenges
Family Party Games
MirFam Games Turns Your TV Into Interactive Fun For Family And Friends
Group Challenge Apps
Challenge Friends Lets Users Complete 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenges
Word Game Apps
Describe The Word Uses AI Guessing To Power Fast-Paced Gameplay
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Timed Gameplay Trial Features
Google Play Introduced Game Trials for Sampling Game Titles