From Foursquare and Farmville to the frequent fliers popularized in Up in the Air, playing “everyday games” has become an obsession that’s entered the popular culture, mirroring the worldwide growth of interactive entertainment.  Smart organizations like Chase and the US Army are getting on the bandwagon, offering loyalty programs and game experiences that pay out in cash, miles and virtual rewards for all kinds of activities, driving growth, community engagement and customer loyalty at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing. Authors Gabe Zichermann and Joselin Linder have spent the past ten years chronicling the rise of the everyday games we play and in their book “Game-Based Marketing” (Wiley, March 2010, $24.95) they show how successful companies are shaping our fun future, and how savvy organizations of all sizes can play to win.

Order Game-Based Marketing Today

Preview Game Based Marketing Today


If you’re in NYC on April 26th, please join us for the official launch of Game-Based Marketing at West Third Common, from 630-830pm. There will be drink specials, apps and books for sale – plus you can meet the authors and network with other folks interested in game mechanics.

RSVP on Facebook (you can also download the iCal event from this link)


With increasing frequency, we’ve been asked to speak to various groups about the use of game mechanics and funware in their businesses. This is a recent presentation covering the use of Funware in non-profit contexts.


Early reviews of Game-Based Marketing have been tremendous. Here’s one of our favorites:

“If you think games have already taken over the living room, wait until you see what they can do to advertising. Co-writers Zichermann and Linder have put forth cutting edge concepts about the power of game design in non-gaming contexts. And you get five Achievement points if you read this endorsement.” -Bing Gordon, Venture Partner: KPCB and Former CCO of Electronic Arts

For more great reviews of Game-Based Marketing, check out our reviews page.