Deconstructor of Fun 301. Duolingo, Tinder, DraftKings: How Top Apps Have Been Gamified
Aug 25, 2025
Kalle Heikkinen, Lead Analyst at App Refinery, shares insights into the gamification strategies of popular apps. He delves into Duolingo's innovative use of AI for language learning and discusses how Tinder is transforming user experience with live events. The conversation also covers BeReal’s evolution beyond its initial success, DraftKings' unique social features enhancing community interaction, and Crypto.com’s engaging gamification elements like missions and rewards. This exploration reveals how apps are merging entertainment with habit-forming experiences.
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Feature-Level Analysis Reveals The Why
- App Refinery breaks apps into feature-level analysis to reveal why features drive engagement and monetization.
- Applying game design analytics to non-gaming apps uncovers product-side decisions that high-level metrics miss.
AI Roleplay Turns Drills Into Conversation
- Duolingo uses AI to create role-play conversational practice that feels like an RPG session rather than a quiz.
- This AI-enabled mode both increases engagement and creates subscription value impossible at scale before AI.
Monetize Interactive Modes With Social Bundles
- Gate novel, high-value interactive modes behind premium tiers to drive subscription conversion.
- Offer family bundles to make subscriptions social and increase long-term retention.