This article has been subjected to double blind peer review

This article has been published in: Ocula 19, Gamification paths. Research and ludic discourse for the community

author: Vincenzo Idone Cassone (Centro interdipartimentale di ricerca sulla comunicazione-CIRCe, Università di Torino, IT)

Beyond entertainment. Cultural developments at the root of the gamification

language: italian

abstract: The gamification phenomenon has generated a complex debate over the years, characterized by divergent positions, several definitions and conflicting opinions. In particular, it seems to be no convergence between experts on the definition of gamification and on the main dynamics existing between the spheres of game, play and society. The aim of this article is to prepare a preliminary answer to these issues by using cultural semiotics tools: specifically, by analyzing and reconstructing the historical, cultural and social processes that contributed to the origin of the concept of gamification, starting from an overview of discourses and historical interpretations concerning the concepts of game and play, its limits, values and functions.

citation information: Vincenzo Idone Cassone, Beyond entertainment. Dinamiche culturali all’origine della gamification, "Ocula", vol.19, n.19, pp.32-44, October 2018. DOI: 10.12977/ocula2018-10

Ocula.it publishes articles and essays in semiotic research, with a particular eye on communication and culture; it is open to dialogue with other research fields and welcomes contributions from all the areas of the social and human sciences. See the Editorial Board and the Editorial Committee.