ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the history and design of badges in videogames. It explains that badges work in games fundamentally the same way they operate in other media, but with some special affordances made possible by their design. It discusses the specific completion logics required to earn badges in games, how the visual representations of badges can change in fantasy-based environments, and how associated rewards translate into game-based points or other virtual currencies. It explains how designing badges that are fun, motivating, and effective – like those found in games – is important for a wide variety of learning and training applications.