What is a Finite Game?
When we say finite game;
• We define games with winners and losers, with a beginning and an end.
• In a finite gamification setup; Includes an ending, a legendary victory (epic win), levels, and a badge collection. In a way, they are the competitions and games of everyday life as we know them.
• The aim of finite games is to win. In finite games, only one person or group wins. Those who do not win are graded.
• Finite games can be played within an ınfinite game, but an endless game cannot be played within a finite game.
• The rules of a finite game are all the rules by which players can agree on who wins. These rules are not sanctions, but restrict the freedom of players by allowing choices within these restrictions. These rules apply until the winner is determined in the finite game.
• The desire of all finite players is to become a “Master Player” who is perfectly skilled in the game and can play as if they already knew the outcome.
• Finite players avoid surprises and try to plan around them.
Finite Game Examples
Finite games are similar to sports competitions or car or motor racing. There are goals, winning and final. The rules are predetermined.
What is Infinite Game?
•Infinite games are unscripted, unpredictable and mysterious.
• An infinite gamification program is designed to continue indefinitely. There is no end, no final level to reach, no legendary victory (epic win). There is only an ongoing competition, always moving forward or never ending.
• The aim of infinite games is to continue the game. In infinite games, there is no winning group or person, and the winner is the game.
• In the infinite game, the rules may change in the process to ensure the continuity of the game. The rules of an infinite game are changed to prevent anyone from winning the game and to involve as many people as possible.
• In the infinite game, players do not avoid finite games.
• In the infinite game, players wait to be surprised and continue their game after it.
Infinite Game Examples
• Oscar Award (Awarded once a year based on the votes of certain voters.)
• TIME Magazine Person of the Year (Awarded based on media coverage)
• Sports Leagues (Depends on the results of the games played during a season.)
• Transparency Index (Countries Transparency International leader board)
• NDP Human Development Indices
• Lego
• Employee of the month
• Quarterly sales leaderboard
• StackOverflow Score
• Air miles (Loyalty Programs)
Whether your company, project, goals are small or large; being alone; official or unofficial; It doesn’t matter whether or not the people you influence are individuals, departments, organizations or even entire countries. Infinite gamification,for you and for your players; It connects the game with a new and powerful excitement and keeps it flowing for a long time.
