Gamifying Employee Recognition

Seattle based start-up MeritShare is boldly venturing into the world of employee recognition programs. Their web-based software offers both online and offline rewards, and allows companies to promote their employees' successes both internally and externally. Read more in this VentureBeat article.

With costs to replace exiting employees rising, do you think systems like this one will strengthen employee satisfaction and encourage retention? Share your thoughts with me.

XBox Gamerscore Earns Discounts

Now your XBox Gamerscore gets you discounts when you buy stuff in their store. Details here: http://www.shacknews.com/article/75977/gamerscore-unlocks-xbox-live-marketplace-rebates

Sight

Sight is an awesome short film painting a clear picture of the Gamepocalypse from Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo. It's like a 2.0 version of PLAY or Augmented (HYPER) Reality. Thoughtful, concise, and well-executed. But... how does that dude click on stuff?

You might also check out my ARE2010 Keynote on the subject. 

Homeless as 4G Hotspots

Wired has details about a new plan to use homeless people as 4G hotspots. The more people that access them, the more they get paid -- which incentivizes them to move to where they are most needed. It's Gamifexploitation at it's finest. Tip: The lag is terrible on shopping cart lady. But the guy with the tinfoil hat has five bars!

Yumemiru

New Remtertainment app lets you control your dreams. Hope you like Japanese dreams, cuz that's all they have right now. Article about it here in gizmag. Hurry up, Pepsi! I want to dream of soft drinks. Thanks to Joe Velikovsky for the tip!

Brush Monkey

A toothbrush that gives you points? Ridiculous. Trust Brian Krejcarek to do it right.

Visual Studio Acheivements

Let's say you have to use Microsoft Visual Studio (sorry). Why not make it "better" with badges and achievements! Won't you be proud when you've earned them all? Your code is already bloated and full of obscure and questionable practices, so why not at least get rewarded for that? Read all about it here. Thanks to Scott Landsman and Juan Serrallonga for the tip!