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
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Emotionally Rewarding Multiplayer Games
Toca Boca Days Helps Tweens Find a Sense of Belonging
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Drink-Shaped Gaming Devices
7-Eleven is Giving Fans the Chance to Win a Slurpee-Shaped Tetris Game
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
AI Avatar Dating Apps
The Snack App Allow Users to Turn Themselves into an AI Version
Gamified Stress Reduction Apps
The 'URSO' Mental Health Gaming App is Fun and Engaging
Gamified Shopping Apps
Yaysay Combines AI-Powered Personalization & Gamification
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Interactive Gamified Restaurant Apps
The 'BAOverse' App Was Created in Collaboration with HATO
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Chicken Nugget-Shaped Gaming Devices
Tetris and McDonald's Collaborate on a Cheeky Tetris Device
Supersized Delivery Sweepstakes
DoorDash's Big Game Ad Shares Stuff from All the Ads with a Winner
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Financial Literacy Board Games
Chime Launches a Gamified Financial Literacy Initiative
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
AI-Powered Video Chats
Fireworks Enhances Shoppable Live Video Commerce with Generative AI
Gaming Taquito Collaborations
Delimex Taquitos launched a New 'Feeding Gamers' Two-Day Initiative
Gamified Home Chore Apps
Developers Showcased a Gamified Home Chore App at Meta's Hackathon 2023
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Cloud-Based Retro Gamer Apps
The Polymega App Offers Access to Nostalgic Titles
Summer-Themed Cafe Rewards Games
The Starbucks Summer Game: Adventure Awaits is Interactive
Personalized Brain-Training Apps
Elevate Helps Boost Productivity and Builds Confidence
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Immersive Wine-Inspired Games
Chablis Appellation Launches an Online Interactive Game About Wine
Board Game-Themed Fashions
The Shoe Palace x Monopoly Collection Includes an Array of Styles
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Arcade-Style Metaverse Games
JD Sports Steps into the Metaverse with 'King of the Game'
AR-Powered Cereal Games
General Mills Releases a New Digital Monster Game for Consumers
Personalized Video Game Merchandise
MARKET Launches a Personalized 'Call of Duty' Collection
Housewares Retailer Design Apps
The Wayfair Decorify App Digitally Transforms Spaces for Shopping
Virtual Coin Drop Games
Taco Bell Coin Drop is Being Revived Digitally via the Brand's Mobile App
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Gamified Video Dating Apps
IRLY is a Dating App by Gen Z for Gen Z
Nugget-Inspired Video Games
McDonalds and The Sandbox Create the McNuggets Land Game
Gamified Youth-Focused News Apps
RocaNews Uses Challenges and Quests to Encourage Staying Informed
Musician-Themed Online Games
Fortnite Festival Lets Players Get in on the Concert Action
Dynamic Mobile Fashion Games
Tommy Hilfiger Unveils a New Mobile Fashion Game Called FashionVerse
Comprehensive Math-Learning Experiences
Math Learner Uses Games to Make Math Fun for Young Kids
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Advertising E-Commerce Tools
Tokens Launches the Valor E-Commerce Platform for QR Code Advertising
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
Gen Z Sports Apps
Stadium Live is Aiming to Entice Gen Z Consumers with Immersive Experiences
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
Exercise-Focused Gaming Apps
The Smart 5min x Suika Game is Entertaining and Beneficial
Video Game-Like Chat Platforms
'PFPChat' Gives Online Meetings a More Creative Spin
Conversational Campaign Creators
Creating Google Ads Campaigns is Simpler with AI Chat Features
Rewarding App-Based Games
Pick n Pay Introduces the New 'Smart Hopper' Game for Shoppers
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Entertaining Micro Workout Apps
The 'Baseline' Smartphone Workout Game App Sets Up Good Habits
Interactive Gaming Clogs
These Special Crocs Can Be Scanned for an Exclusive Gaming Experience
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Shopping App Football Games
This In-App Game from Klarna Provide Rewards for Football Fans
Logo Guessing Games
Not a Logo Tasks Players with Selecting the Right Option of Two Images
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
AR Pizza Menus
Hungry Howie's Uses AR to Promote a Secret Pizza Menu
Exclusive Gamer Gift Cards
Candy Crush Saga Gift Cards Share a 48-Hour Unlimited Lives Bonus
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Gamer-Targeted Chip Promotions
Pringles is Launching a New Gaming On-Pack Promotion
AI-Driven Financial Education Games
Money Smarts Unveils AI Financial Game on Indiegogo
Authenticated Product Review Apps
This App Matchers Shoppers With Brands Looking For Reviews
Series-Inspired Chess Games
The Queen’s Gambit Chess Puts Fans in the Action
Casual Mini Games
This Online Hub Allows for Players to Easily Learn Engaging Games
Hyper-Local Gym Ads
GymBox's Made for London Life Ads Juxtapose City Living and Gym-Going
Flame-Grilled Billboards
This Fiery Billboard Promotes the Flame Grilled Whopper-Flavored Doritos
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
Mini Musical Productivity Ads
Slack's The Big Meeting Takes on a Musical Number
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
Active Entertainment Systems
Nex Playground Gets People Moving at Home
Positivity-Focused Social Medias
SLAY is a Social Media App with Gamified Positive Experiences
Earth-Honoring AR Games
Balenciaga Launches the Regenerative Agriculture Experience
All-in-One iGaming Solutions
CrazyGames Unveils a New Collection of Browser-Based Games
Mobile Game Platform Expansions
Google is Expanding its 'Play Games' Windows Application
Luxe Skiwear Metaverse Games
Balenciaga Launches the Balenciaga Skiwear Mini Game
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Video Game Refreshment Campaigns
The Suntory x Super Mario Campaign is Playful
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Adult Board Game Campaigns
Hasbro and Ageless Innovation Rebrand Childhood Games for Adults
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Gamified Plastic Bottle Journeys
Last Bottle Takes Users on an Informative After-Recycling Journey
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
Gamified Budgeting Apps
Bread Budgeting Makes Budgeting Fun By Integrating Challenges
Immersive Fighting Math Games
Karate Math Dojo Combines Fighting with Learning
Review-Based Marketing Campaigns
These Amazon Campaigns Bring Real Reviews To Life
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Turkey-Based Game Studios
Frantic Games Raised $2.4 Million to Develop Engaging Mobile Games
Location-Based QSR Technology
Chipotle is Integrating Location-Based Technology Into its App
Immersive Language Games
Noun Town Puts a Gamified Spin on Learning a New Language
Senior-Focused Exergames
Ludica Health's 'LudoFit' Helps Adults Maintain Strength and Balance
Digitized Board Game Consoles
This Smartphone-Controlled System Displays Board Games On Your TV
Cow-Themed QSR Campaigns
Chick-fil-A Debuts a New Virtual Game and Merchandise Collection
Private Label Product Promotions
This Target Game Day Promotion is Shawn Johnson-Approved
AR-Based Video Games
Graffity, Qualcomm, and Nreal Launch Two New Augmented Reality Games
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Happiness-Prioritizing QSR Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Launches the 'Adult Unlearn' Summer Campaign
Mobile TV-Compatible Controllers
Netflix Releases a Mobile Game Controller for TV-Enabled Gaming
Daily Game-Guessing Services
'GuessTheGame' is a Wordle-Like for Video Game Fans
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Video Game-Inspired QSR Promotions
Chipotle Customers Can Now Earn Tekken 8 Rewards with Purchase
Virtual Table Top Games
TinyTable Combines the Joy of Table Top Games with Virtual Video Calls
Work Platform Game Features
Microsoft Teams Unveils Games for Work Feature for Positive Morale
Relaxed Interactive Mobile Games
Nintendo and Niantic Join Forces on the Pikmin Finder Game
Streaming Service-Backed Games
YouTube Is Testing Its Online Games Category Called 'Playables'
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Interactive Mapping Solutions
Mapplic Turns Static Images Into Engaging Maps
Subtle Marketing Pop-Ups
FOMO Nudge Encourages Users to Buy with Subtle Pop-Ups
Engaging Grammar Games
Grake, the Grammar Snake is Available in Four Languages
Science-Based Gaming Platforms
Skillprint Launched a New First-of-Its-Kind Gaming Pairing Platform
Gamer Organization Apps
Skich Debuts New Features for its Tinder-Style Game Recommendation App
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Interactive Challenge Platforms
Join and Witness Online Challenges in One Place, at Tigbar
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Holiday-Themed Playful Quizzes
Foney Fonts Challenges Players to Recognize Holiday Typography
Branding Trivia Games
Decode the Identity is a Playful Homage to Iconic Brands
Online Poker Engagement Features
Stretch Network Confirms the Launch of Three New Features
Daily Gaming Mystery-Solving
Players are Tasked to Guess the Game with 'Daily Game Trivia'
Seamless Sports Betting Apps
theScore Bet Debuts New Commercial Spots as part of Fall Campaign
Gamified AI Quizzes
SnapQuiz Offers a Vast Library of Quizzes with Something for Everyone
Adorable Goal-Setting Apps
CanGoal Keeps Users Engaged With Cute Characters