Avoiding the Risks of Overgamification in Education – A Case of ERPSim

Based on the positive experiences surrounding the introduction of gamification in higher education, as well as the positive acceptance of the ERPSim business simulation game among students, we decided to expand the scope of gamification in the course of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems. In addition to the already used simulation game at the beginning of the course, we also introduced additional ERPSim games implemented as workshops within the study course. To avoid potential challenges, we identified and explored the potential gamification-related risks in education through a literature review and considered them when performing the simulation games. The results of this retrospective show that with the use of appropriate approaches, solutions and strategies when extending the scope of gamification, we have adequately and successfully addressed all of the main types of risks, i.e. risks associated with the design of gamification itself, risks connected to the introduction and application of games in the course, and risks related to individual differences between participants.