Game On

Embracing Gamification to Create Immersive Brand Experiences in the Digital World

By Ayman Haydar, CEO of DXTA Technology

Dubai, UAE – 29 November 2024

The future of advertising lies in creating experiences that resonate beyond the screen, and gamification is a vital part of that journey, writes DXTA’s Ayman Haydar in his Digital Essay featured in Campaign Middle East.

Gaming isn’t just play, it’s where consumers live, connect, and create. With a global digital community of 3.2 billion players, brands now have unprecedented access to a deeply engaged audience eager for experiences that resonate.

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, and users are bombarded with ads, the way brands connect with their audiences must evolve. Enter gamification—a powerful blend of play and strategy that captures attention and forges deeper connections between brands and consumers. At DXTA Technology, we’re helping brands make an impact in this dynamic world, turning ads into powerful, immersive moments. Through our SmartGaming solutions, every ad placement becomes a memorable experience, building connections that last long after the game ends.

Why Gamification?

Gaming today is no longer a niche pastime; it’s a universal phenomenon with over 3.2 billion active players worldwide. Across all demographics and backgrounds, gaming appeals to people’s intrinsic need for challenge, competition, and accomplishment. Statistics show that 93% of gamers play for fun, creating a positive mindset—a perfect environment for brands to connect. In fact, the undivided attention garnered by in-game ads achieves a remarkable 98% viewability and 92% completion rate. These figures are simply unprecedented in traditional digital media.

The power of gamification lies in its ability to create moments of active engagement. Unlike passive forms of media, gaming is highly interactive, empowering users to become protagonists in their stories. Through this active participation, gamers develop a unique emotional investment, leading to an impressive 1.9x engagement rate for in-game ads compared to traditional formats.

Beyond Awareness

We’ve redefined brand-consumer interaction with SmartGaming by merging immersive technology and story-driven advertising. When ads are seamlessly integrated into gameplay—through banners, dynamic overlays, or virtual experiences—they don’t disrupt but rather enhance the gaming experience. This approach has been shown to increase brand awareness by 12%, boost brand likeability by 15%, and even lift purchase intent by a staggering 23%. These metrics underscore that, in the gaming world, ads are more than messages; they become part of the experience itself.

Our premium ad network, which spans diverse age groups and gaming genres, offers brands an unparalleled opportunity to tap into a highly engaged and receptive audience. With gamers spending an average of 22 seconds engaged with in-game ads, brands enjoy a rare combination of viewability and interaction that’s difficult to achieve elsewhere.

A Dynamic Landscape

The types of in-game marketing available today are as dynamic as the industry itself. At DXTA, we recommend brands explore several methods to engage with players while respecting the immersive quality of the gaming environment:

Dynamic In-Game Advertising: This type of advertising operates in real time, allowing brands to purchase ad space and geotarget specific regions or demographics. It’s similar to real-world billboard advertising, but with the added flexibility of digital immediacy.

Static In-Game Advertising: Unlike dynamic ads, static ads remain embedded within the game for its entire lifespan. This type of advertising works best when thoughtfully integrated into the game’s storyline, ensuring that the brand becomes a part of the experience.

Advergames: Games created specifically to promote a brand or product, like those by LEGO or certain movie franchises, have seen great success. In these games, players are drawn into an environment built entirely around a brand’s identity, leading to a unique and memorable brand association.

Game Changing Effect

The future of advertising lies in creating experiences that resonate beyond the screen, and gamification is a vital part of that journey. As consumer expectations evolve, brands must embrace new methods to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. At DXTA, we’re proud to lead the charge in gamified advertising, helping brands build unforgettable experiences across 150+ countries, uniting creativity with technology to reach the next level in engagement.

The message for decision-makers is undeniable: those who harness the power of gamification today will dominate the digital landscape tomorrow. Gamification is not just a trend—it’s a transformative force that redefines how brands connect, engage, and resonate with audiences. In an increasingly competitive market, it’s the game-changer that will shape the future of brand storytelling in ways we’ve only just begun to explore.