6 Steps to Successful Gamification in Compliance Training

Posted by

Vivek Dodd

on 27 Apr 2021

6 Steps to Successful Gamification in Compliance Training

Often gamification in e-learning is mistaken for games-based learning. In fact, it involves the addition of game design elements, an important distinction.

Gamification can be defined as the application of gaming design elements, such as conversations, activities, scores, badges, and non-linear pathways to an existing training intervention to improve engagement and retention.

Gaming elements drive engagement



Gamified Learning Brochure

How to add gaming elements to your training

1. Do the easy bits before the more complex stuff


2. Add a human touch to make it real


3. Add scoring & show progress

Score user interactions and periodically show learners how they are faring, preferably on a visual scale or a leader board.

4. Make learners efforts count


5. Use audio & visual element to signpost success


6. Don't overdo it!


The benefits of gamified learning

Gamification is a powerful way of tying training to the real world, making it more meaningful for people. It gets people to think for themselves, retain the information they have learned, and feel the impact of their choices.

Ultimately the goal of compliance training is not just to help people understand regulations but also to help them behave in a compliant manner.

That means that compliance training can only be considered effective if those completing courses then comply with associated policies and regulations.

If gamification is done right, not only will you find prompt completion rates go up, you will create a buzz that drives awareness levels and compliance effectiveness - which is the whole point of the training.


Ensure your gamification is effective

For gamification to be effective, it needs to be based on practical examples that show employees from a personal perspective what their responsibilities are. Games and simulations need to be personalised to both your organisation and each employee's role.

That means using your company name, the names of your policies, internal terminology and even names of specific individuals within the business.

This helps to put your training into context for staff and give it meaning. And it’s this that makes people take in the content so that they can put it into practice.


Gamified Learning Hub

What is gamified learning?

Gamified learning has helped many of our customers to identify strengths, weaknesses and a clear focus for future initiatives. If you'd like to learn more, we have a series of gamification blogs, case studies explaining how we helped Barclays, Société Générale and Royal Mail or and a gaming hub where you can try out one of our themed games.

Skillcast games present your employees with challenging propositions in a realistic context. Learners accept or reject each proposition with a click or swipe, losing lives for each incorrect answer and completing the game within a time limit.

They are a fun and engaging learning tool with a serious purpose

How games improve learning outcomes

  • Driving behavioural change
  • Boosting knowledge retention
  • Improving employee assessments
  • Highlighting competency gaps

Isn't it time you added gamified learning to your compliance learning toolkit?

Compliance Essentials


Start a Free Trial