The Future of Gamification: How AI, Omnichannel & AR Are Transforming Marketing

24.06.2025

Author: Daniela Wechsler

Gamification is no longer just a trend. It has become an effective strategy to engage customers, create immersive brand experiences and drive targeted interaction. But how is gamification evolving and what role do new technologies play?

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and omnichannel strategies, classic gamification is entering a new era: more personal, more immersive and more powerful than ever before.

Today’s customers move seamlessly between online shops, social media, apps and physical stores. Effective gamification taps into this behavior and connects touchpoints into one cohesive player experience.

Example:
A customer scans a QR code in-store and starts a game in the app. Their progress is saved, allowing them to continue playing later at home or unlock additional rewards via social media.

Why it matters:

• Customer engagement across multiple touchpoints
• Seamless customer journey with motivating game mechanics
• Increased interaction, longer engagement time and higher conversion rates

Our conclusion:
Brands that develop gamification with platform-specific thinking but implement it across channels create unique, immersive brand experiences.

Great games adapt to the player – and that’s exactly what modern gamification achieves with AI. Thanks to AI and big data, companies can create highly individualised player experiences tailored to user behaviour, preferences and needs.

Example:
A finance app uses AI to offer personalised challenges or playful rewards based on users’ saving habits – like discounts for sustainable purchases or bonus points for consistent saving.

Why it matters:

• Higher customer motivation through tailored challenges
• Personalised experiences that match each user perfectly
• Stronger brand loyalty through deeper user identification

Our conclusion:
Gamification powered by AI becomes smarter – and more effective. Brands that leverage AI-driven personalisation increase engagement and foster lasting customer relationships.

Augmented Reality (AR) takes gamification out of the screen and into the real world – at the point of sale, during events or on the go. Combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), it creates interactive experiences that surprise and activate users.

Example:
An automotive brand could use an AR game at the point of sale, where customers discover hidden vehicle features with their smartphone and earn points – a playful incentive to book a test drive.

Why it matters:

• More interaction and engagement directly at the POS
• Higher purchase intent through playful, emotional experiences
• Competitive differentiation through innovative touchpoints

Our conclusion:
AR and IoT will reshape gamification in the coming years. Brands that invest early gain access to a completely new kind of customer experience.

Where data is part of the game, clear rules are key. AI-powered gamification only works when users understand how their data is being used. Privacy, transparency and ethical standards aren’t optional – they’re fundamental to building long-term trust.

Our conclusion:
Successful gamification isn’t just creative – it’s responsible.

Whether it’s an omnichannel campaign, AI personalisation or an immersive AR experience – gamification is becoming a core element of future-proof marketing. It doesn’t just boost interaction and engagement, it strengthens customer relationships on an emotional level.

How can your brand harness gamification to create real impact?
Let’s build a strategy that inspires – playful, smart and built for the future.

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