Most gamification flops because it adds points without purpose. In this episode, Garrett Egan shares how to design learning experiences that actually engage learners by thinking like a game designer.

We dive into what game-based learning really means, why storytelling matters, and how visual design can support (or sabotage) engagement. Garrett brings insights from the gaming industry and corporate L&D to show how to build experiences your learners want to complete, not just click through.

Whether you're gamifying onboarding or rethinking compliance training, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away.

🔑 Takeaways

Don’t confuse gamification with engagement—points and badges alone won’t drive behavior.

Games inspire learning by creating clarity, purpose, and momentum.

Storytelling helps learners see themselves as the hero of the journey.

Visuals should support—not distract from—the learning experience.

Rewards must feel meaningful in the context of the job, not just the LMS.

📚 Resources Mentioned

The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell

Game examples: Elden Ring, Minecraft, Pokémon

Garrett Egan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettegan

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:32 The Essence of Game-Based Learning

04:35 Engagement Through Storytelling

06:31 The Role of Visual Appeal in Learning

09:06 Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning

11:40 Practical Steps to Implement Game Elements

14:45 Resources for Further Learning

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