This paper reviews peer-reviewed empirical studies
on gamification. We create a framework for examining
the effects of gamification by drawing from the
definitions of gamification and the discussion on
motivational affordances. The literature review covers
results, independent variables (examined motivational
affordances), dependent variables (examined
psychological/behavioral outcomes from gamification),
the contexts of gamification, and types of studies
performed on the gamified systems. The paper
examines the state of current research on the topic and
points out gaps in existing literature. The review
indicates that gamification provides positive effects,
however, the effects are greatly dependent on the
context in which the gamification is being
implemented, as well as on the users using it. The
findings of the review provide insight for further
studies as well as for the design of gamified systems.