Gamification

Trend - Businesses and institutions are increasingly incentivizing sustainable consumer habits with programs that reward them when they make eco-conscious decisions. These programs are linked to everything from recycling to shopping.

Insight - The convenience of today's consumption culture has had an enormous impact on the environment, but also makes it difficult for consumers to extract themselves from the cycle of buying products just to throw them away not long after. Making sustainable choices comes with costs and challenges, and consumers are increasingly turning to brands that help incentivize sustainable purchase decisions to make it easier to be eco-friendly.

Trend - NFTs are presenting future-forward opportunities for brands to reward loyal customers. These digital assets are being incorporated into companies' loyalty programs--offering customers access to digital experiences while providing them with blockchain-backed proof of membership.

Insight - NFTs and the metaverse have begun to pique the interest of the general populous. This includes everyday consumers who now, more than ever, expect to foster digitally-oriented relationships with their favorite brands. As a result, companies are leveraging NFTs as rewards to offer customers a form of free and exclusive entry into the burgeoning Web3 space.

Trend - Established and emerging esports entertainment companies are using blockchain technology to better engage consumers and fans. The companies utilize NFT collections to offer exclusive experiences, such as invite-only parties, NFT-holder lounges, and conferences where the organizations listen to their most dedicated fans. This aims to increase engagement while rewarding dedicated communities.

Insight - Consumers in the realm of esports are often loyal to certain teams, companies, or brands. As a result of this, fans are seeking new ways to immerse themselves in the world of esports and support their favorite entities beyond viewing tournaments and wearing branded apparel. Leveraging blockchain technology provides these very opportunities to interested consumers.

Trend - The many different materials required to produce board games impacts the environment, so some brands in this space are prioritizing sustainability both in the materials they use to create these games, and in the messaging of the games themselves.

Insight - Sustainability has become a priority for more North American customers as the last few years has shown climate change's impact in real-time. With consumers now feeling more conscious of their personal impact and worried about the future, they're more likely to turn to sustainable options when they're buying from brands.

Trend - Cannabis companies are adding interactive, gamified elements to their branding and product offerings to increase their approachability in the new market. These gamified elements create a sense of playfulness and add entertainment value to cannabis products.

Insight - The cannabis industry is gaining traction among young consumers, including Gen Z and Millennials. The two tech-savvy generations are increasingly searching for products with interactive and entertainment-based products. In response to the consumer desire for gamified entertainment, cannabis brands are including interactive components in their products and business models.

Trend - Some brands are now initiating loyalty programs that run on the premise of making positive purchase decisions. This includes everything from getting points for selling secondhand clothing, to getting points and rewards for healthy purchases.

Insight - Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of how their purchase decisions impact themselves, those around them, and the environment. Now, more people are choosing to be mindful in how they shop, and brands that offer incentives to do this will become increasingly popular.

Trend - Cloud gaming technology is helping "veteran" and returning players start to play again. The de-emphasize of physical devices (such as specific gaming boxes and consoles) allows these players to return to the hobby without needing to upgrade their technology.

Insight - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, many consumers regained interest in old hobbies that were suitable for indoor entertainment. These hobbies often offer a nostalgic element in a new format that is both comforting and refreshing. Moreover, these activities tend to be tied intimately to social relationships, helping individuals feel less alone. Consumers are craving opportunities to find comfort and will flock to brands that provide accessible outlets to do so.

Trend - The challenging nature of teaching children about managing their money is being made easier with apps that use gamification to help kids learn about various financial basics. These apps help build financial literacy from a young age.

Insight - Despite traditional notions of what child-rearing should be like, modern day childcare and rearing is being made easier with the help of technology. For consumers wanting to ready their children for modern day learning and workplace environments, educational and connected technology allows their kids to learn and grow their skills within the context that they'll be applied one day.

Trend - Over the last few years, wellness apps have become increasingly popular and now, entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the category by offering more immersive experiences for meditation and breathwork. These services embody visually psychedelic effects that are research-backed to encourage individuals to explore their consciousness and relax.

Insight - Many consumers today are experiencing heightened stress levels, restlessness, and other mental health issues—whether that is due to an accelerated working environment, global civil unrest, the ongoing pandemic, among other things. In an attempt to be more conscious of their personal needs, individuals are taking charge of their health, while being more mindful of their limits and work-life balance. This is creating a demand for various accessible services that consumers can use in order to feel more relaxed and restored.

Trend - Companies are launching virtual home shopping experiences to market products during the COVID-19 era. These gamified platforms are engaging with playful interactivity and comfort aesthetics that entertain consumers and also allow for the visualization of a product in one's space.

Insight - As government-imposed COVID-19 measures are highly restrictive to brick-and-mortar retail, individuals have turned to online shopping for their daily needs—whether that is because they want to play it safe or save themselves the hassle. Aware of the potentials of technology in virtual environments, many are looking for digital experiences that are immersive and this demand arises from a consumer need for entertaining distractions during a difficult time.