Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education

Follow Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Professor Game is a weekly podcast where we interview successful practitioners of games, gamification and game thinking that will bring us the best of their experiences to get ideas, insights and will inspire us in the process of getting students or trainees to learn what we teach.

Rob Alvarez Bucholska: Gamification and learning experiences expert, speaker and host of Professor Game


    • May 18, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 446 EPISODES

    5 from 91 ratings Listeners of Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education that love the show mention: gamification, interesting topic, rob does a great, thanks rob, rob's, engagement, gaming, professor, gamer, keep the episodes coming, interesting and informative, super interesting, education, new show, video games, technology, students, much needed, teach, learning.


    Ivy Insights

    The Professor Game Podcast hosted by Rob Alvarez Bucholska is a fantastic podcast that delves into the world of gamification. With interviews with gamification experts, gurus, and practitioners, this podcast covers a variety of topics within the gaming mindset. As someone who has been interested in gamification for several years, I was thrilled to discover this podcast and learn more about how it can be applied in everyday life.

    One of the best aspects of The Professor Game Podcast is its alignment with values. The podcast not only covers the practical applications of gamification but also explores how it can improve one's everyday life. It delves into the game mentality and how it can be used to enhance motivation, engagement, and learning. Additionally, the podcast provides an insider look into the gaming industry, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on game development and design.

    Rob Alvarez Bucholska is an incredibly engaging host who knows how to make his guests feel comfortable and prepared to engage with listeners. He asks thought-provoking questions and provides his own perspectives on the topics being discussed. This creates a dynamic conversation that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The interviews are easy to listen to and offer practical knowledge that can be applied in various areas of life.

    One potential downside of this podcast is that it may not appeal to those who have no interest in gaming or gamification. While it does offer insights into other fields such as education and business, the main focus is on using gaming principles to enhance various aspects of life. Therefore, if you have no interest in or understanding of gamification, this podcast may not resonate with you.

    In conclusion, The Professor Game Podcast is an awesome listen for anyone interested in gamification and its applications in different areas of life. It offers valuable insights into the gaming mindset, provides an insider look into the gaming industry, and explores practical ways to apply gamification principles for personal growth and improvement. Rob Alvarez Bucholska is a fantastic host who keeps the conversations interesting and thought-provoking. Whether you're a gamer or simply curious about gamification, this podcast is definitely worth a listen.



    Search for episodes from Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education

    Stop Overthinking in 90 Seconds with the "Brain Huddle" Trick | Episode 445

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 30:37


    Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide, behavioral design applied to real products: professorgame.com/WildCD Episode Summary Victoria Ichizli-Bartels, author of fourteen books on gameful living and coiner of the term "self-gamification," explores how the role of the tabletop RPG game master maps onto the inner conversation we have with ourselves. She walks through Jill Bolte Taylor's "brain huddle" concept (a 90-second pause that resolves inner conflict by letting the 12 different players in our heads come to the table), three diagnostic questions for stressful moments ("what is happening inside myself," "who is talking," and "what is the goal of this person"), and a Justin Alexander hack borrowed from RPG handbooks: instead of treating a stressful thought as a crisis, respond with "yes, this can happen, now what do you do?" Listeners come away with practical reframes for daily self-management and a clearer way to spot which inner player is driving a given thought. About the Host Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Key Takeaways Jill Bolte Taylor's "brain huddle" concept proposes that 90 seconds of pause is enough to resolve inner conflict, by letting the different characters in our heads (which Victoria counts as roughly 12 distinct players, including self-leader, self-coach, game designer, and game master) come together and find an appropriate response. The single most useful diagnostic question for a stressful moment is "what is happening inside myself," followed by "who is talking" and "what is the goal of this person" — the third one usually reveals that the inner voice is trying to protect or train you, not sabotage you. Justin Alexander's RPG game master hack, "yes, this can happen, now what do you do?", reframes intrusive or stressful thoughts (like "I want to quit my job") from a crisis into an exploration, which usually reveals you don't want the extreme outcome — you want a smaller change. RPG handbook rules ("respect your co-players, be patient, be curious, be open-minded") map directly onto self-talk. Open-mindedness toward your own impulses is the rule most people break without noticing. Victoria connects RPG engagement to Core Drive 7 (Unpredictability and Curiosity): players love active play and surprise inside games but resent it in life, even though the underlying motivator is identical. Recognizing this changes how you experience unexpected events. The strategic-game metaphor of map exploration ("the land becomes lighter as you pay attention") and cool-down phases (planting crops after taking a castle) gives a concrete vocabulary for energy management between high-output and recovery days. Topics Covered 0:00 — Opening hook on RPG surprise 0:25 — Welcome and guest reintroduction 1:51 — 14 books in and still surprised 4:06 — Writing about TTRPGs without playing them 6:47 — The game master inside your head 9:48 — Why RPGs are collaborative storytelling 12:22 — Is there a map of the mind 16:47 — Rules of the inner RPG 18:29 — The 12 players inside us 19:05 — The 90-second brain huddle 23:30 — Self-care hacks from RPG handbooks 25:37 — The yes-this-can-happen reframe 26:56 — Closing thoughts and what is next Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide, behavioral design applied to real products: professorgame.com/WildCD About Victoria Ichizli-Bartels Victoria Ichizli-Bartels is a writer, coach, and consultant with a background in semiconductor physics, electronic engineering (Ph.D.), information technology, and business development. While not a traditional gamer, Victoria coined the term "self-gamification," a gameful, playful approach to self-care and self-help that combines anthropology, kaizen, and gamification to enhance quality of life. With over a decade of experience living gamefully, she is the author of fourteen books and the instructor of two online courses on turning life into fun games. Victoria grew up in Moldova, lived in Germany for twelve years, and since 2008 has been based in Aalborg, Denmark, with her husband and two children. Find the Guest Online Website: https://www.victoriaichizlibartels.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaichizlibartels/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optimistwriter Substack: https://selfgamificationclub.substack.com/ Mentioned in This Episode Be Your Best Game Master by Victoria Ichizli-Bartels (the book this conversation is built around) So You Want to Be a Game Master by Justin Alexander Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor (the "brain huddle" concept and the four-characters model) The 5-Minute Perseverance Game by Victoria Ichizli-Bartels (her first book, published 10 years ago) Actual Real Life Role-Playing Games by Victoria Ichizli-Bartels 10,000 Hours of Play by Yu-kai Chou A.J. Jacobs and his life-as-experiment / puzzler books Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and tabletop RPGs in general Story Cubes (the dice-and-pictures storytelling game) Core Drive 7 — Unpredictability & Curiosity (Octalysis) Free Resources and Get in Touch Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Free Guide Get Daily Value on Your Email Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Why a Gamification Expert HATES Duolingo's Strategy | Episode 444

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 36:49


    Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide, behavioral design applied to real products: professorgame.com/WildCD Episode Summary Tetiana Kobzar, product designer with 18 years of experience and creator of the Comportance Framework, joins Rob to share how behavioral design turns clinical and educational software into products people actually want to use. She walks through the seven steps of Comportance (goal, baseline, emotion, hypothesis, minimum validation, cadence, and iteration) and shows how it shaped a gamified speech therapy app for Alder Hey Children's Hospital and a mini-game replacement for 27 cognitive assessment tests. The conversation covers why founders overload products with functionality, why Duolingo's Black Hat motivation works for some users and burns out others, and how Octalysis fits inside a wider behavioral design practice. Listeners leave with a practical structure for designing engagement and a sharper read on when game-based beats gamified. About the Host Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Key Takeaways The Comportance Framework runs seven steps in order: define the goal, set the baseline metrics, design the emotion (motivation and positioning), state one hypothesis, build the minimum validation, set the measurement cadence, and iterate. Most founders skip the goal and emotion steps and jump straight to functionality. Tetiana's team at Alder Hey Children's Hospital replaced weekly-only speech therapy with a gamified app where clinicians set tasks as mini games, letting kids practice pronunciation between sessions while the therapist tracks progress. A separate Tetiana project replaced 27 pen-and-paper cognitive assessment tests with mini games on tablets, capturing extra signal (timestamps, finger tremor, voice recordings) that paper tests cannot measure. Most products fail not because users are irrational but because founders treat them as rational agents. Behavioral biases and cognitive overload kill engagement faster than missing features. The Pareto trap in client work: founders spend 80% of their attention on the 20% of clients who complain, while the 80% of healthy clients who quietly bring most of the revenue get under-served. Reverse the ratio to protect recurring revenue. Duolingo's streak mechanic is heavy Black Hat motivation. It drives high retention but creates rage-quit risk: a user who loses a 4,000-day streak rarely returns. The near-miss has to threaten loss without delivering it. Game-based design (where the experience itself feels like a game) opens more creative options than gamification (points, badges, leaderboards bolted onto a non-game product), but both belong inside a wider behavioral design practice. Topics Covered 0:00 — Why Duolingo's Black Hat motivation backfires 0:24 — Rob's intro and the Core Drives in the Wild guide 2:47 — Daily life after the acquisition 4:14 — Favorite fail: design for the end game 8:16 — Alder Hey speech therapy app and 27 cognitive tests as games 11:26 — Game-based versus gamified, and where the line blurs 15:44 — Where Octalysis fits inside the Comportance Framework 17:11 — The seven steps of Comportance, walked end to end 23:50 — Cognitive overload and treating users as humans 27:24 — Duolingo streaks, near-miss design, and rage-quit risk 31:42 — Book picks: Cialdini, Yu-kai Chou, Don Norman 33:29 — Civilization, board games with the kids, final advice Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide, behavioral design applied to real products: professorgame.com/WildCD About Tetiana Kobzar Tetiana Kobzar is a product strategist and behavioral designer with 18 years of experience building software for healthcare, wellness, and education. She is the creator of the Comportance Framework, a seven-step methodology that brings behavioral science structure to product design. Her recent work includes a gamified speech therapy app for Alder Hey Children's Hospital and a tablet-based replacement for 27 cognitive assessment tests, and she shares behavioral design ideas through her #BehaviouralDesignThursday LinkedIn series and industry talks. Find the Guest Online LinkedIn Tetiana-kobzar.com Instagram TikTok Mentioned in This Episode Proposed guest: someone from Duolingo Recommended book: Actionable Gamification by Yu-kai Chou Recommended book: Influence by Robert B. Cialdini Recommended book: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman Favorite game: Civilization series Duolingo Is Not A Free Language Learning App, It Is... (The Octalysis Group) Alder Hey Children's Hospital speech therapy app (Tetiana's project) Comportance Framework (Tetiana's seven-step methodology) Octalysis Framework by Yu-kai Chou Free Resources and Get in Touch Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Free Guide Get Daily Value on Your Email Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    What UI Designers DON'T Tell You About User Onboarding | Episode 443

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 8:49


    Don't experiment on your own revenue with broken game mechanics. Get our guide "Core Drives in the Wild" to learn how to apply real behavioral science to your product: professorgame.com/WildCD Most apps lose 77% of their users within the first three days because they treat onboarding like a tax audit instead of a human journey. In this episode, Rob Alvarez breaks down why your "helpful" 15-step toolkit might actually be causing cognitive friction and driving users away. By moving from function-focused design to human-focused design, you can transform a bounce into a lifelong advocate. Rob explores the "Christmas Magic Mistake," the "Hello World" principle for instant wins, and the "Miyagi Method" of scaffolding to ensure your users actually want to come back for Day 2. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Core Drives in the Wild Free Guide The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does (Christmas experience episode)   Lets's do stuff together! Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Guide Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    From Grand Theft Auto to Fighting Dementia | Episode 442

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 28:28


    Identify the exact strategies Sharon and Rob discussed so you can start increasing engagement in your own projects today. Grab our Core Drives in the Wild guide for free professorgame.com/WildCD What if the secret to solving real-world isolation or preventing misconduct wasn't more rules, but better play? Sharon Wood, a veteran gaming executive who helped launch the original Grand Theft Auto, joins us to discuss her shift from commercial hits to "Serious Games" with a scientific edge. We explore the neurological reality that the brain cannot distinguish between real and virtual experiences, making games a potent tool for building empathy and confidence. From memory care apps that reunite families to clinical trials in schools, this episode moves past the "points and badges" surface of gamification to show how progressive mastery actually changes lives. Sharon Wood is a seasoned gaming executive with over four decades of experience spanning sports marketing, entertainment, media, and video game development. Her career began in the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment marketing before she entered the gaming industry in 1996 during PlayStation's early days, where she orchestrated groundbreaking partnerships between major brands like Pepsi and Frito-Lay and video games. Most notably, Sharon launched the original Grand Theft Auto on a modest marketing budget. While defending the controversial title in the media, she consulted with psychologists and discovered something surprising: games could actually provide safe environments for exploring moral concepts rather than encouraging negative behaviors. This revelation changed everything. Inspired by gaming's positive potential, Sharon collaborated with a psychologist around 2012-2013 to create "Luminous," a game designed to help women and girls build self-confidence. Within months of launch, it became a top-five app in 34 countries. This success led Sharon to found Happy People Games (HPG), a company dedicated to creating "serious games": interactive experiences that merge scientific evidence with engaging gameplay to deliver real-world benefits beyond entertainment. Unlike simple gamification with badges and points, HPG builds games that create progressive mastery experiences, harnessing the natural reward response from achievement and channeling it toward positive outcomes. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Websites: happypeoplegames.com thenewforevers.com Instagram: @thenewforevers   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Christian Svensson Favorite game: Tekken   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    If You are Losing Users Despite Growth, Watch This! | Episode 441

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 7:21


    Don't experiment on your own revenue with broken game mechanics. Get our guide "Core Drives in the Wild" to learn how to apply real behavioral science to your product: professorgame.com/WildCD Most companies treat user churn as a data problem, but looking at "where" someone leaves doesn't explain "why" they lost interest. We break down the "Engagement Leaks," a phenomenon where record-breaking marketing spend fails to fix a product that is effectively a sieve for users. By analyzing the high-touch onboarding of Superhuman, the "novelty hangover" of Robinhood's digital confetti, and the legendary community design of Harley-Davidson, this episode reveals how to use the Octalysis Framework to plug leaks in different stages of the user journey. A masterclass in transitioning from a product people merely start to one they actually stay with. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Superhuman Robinhood Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) The Octalysis Group   Lets's do stuff together! Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Guide Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Stop Sprinkling Joy: Integrating Delight into the Core Loop | Episode 440

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 35:37


    Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat We sit down with product leader and author Nesrine Changuel to explore the behavioral science of "Product Delight." Nesrine pulls from her extensive experience at tech giants like Google and Spotify to explain why emotional connection cannot be treated as an afterthought in product design. By distinguishing between purely functional requirements and deep emotional motivators, she reveals how features like Google Chrome's inactive tabs or Spotify's curated playlists solve core psychological needs rather than just technical problems. You can walk away with actionable frameworks for removing user friction, anticipating needs, and asking the ultimate design question: "If my product were a human, how would the experience be better?" Nesrine is a product coach, trainer, speaker, and author the author of Product Delight Book. With a background in research and over a decade of product experience, she has built products used by millions like Google Chrome, Google Meet, Spotify, and Skype. Nesrine is known for her focus on emotional connection and user delight. Today, she helps teams create products people don't just use, but truly love. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: nesrine-changuel.com LinkedIn: Nnesrine Changuel Product Delight Book   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Elena Verna Recommended book: Emotional Design by Don Norman Favorite game: DiXit   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Why is EVERYONE Failing At Gamification? (WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON?) | Episode 439

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 6:54


    Master the science of motivation and see how top experts do it right. Get the free 9-day "Core Drives in the Wild" email sequence here: professorgame.com/WildCD We break down three massive gamification disasters from 3 huge companies to reveal exactly what happens when we ignore behavioral science. We explain how well-intentioned features like leaderboards and point systems can accidentally create toxic work environments or destroy thriving communities. By applying the Octalysis framework, we highlight the dangers of relying too heavily on Black Hat motivation and extrinsic rewards without balancing them correctly. You will learn how to design systems that drive genuine engagement rather than building expensive burnout traps. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Lets's do stuff together! Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Guide Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Joris Beerda tested Human-Focused Design vs Design Thinking (Which actually works?) | Episode 438

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 42:27


    Wondering if Octalysis fits your challenge? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat Most companies rely on traditional design thinking to build their products. That assumption is exactly why their retention rates flatline. In this episode, Rob Alvarez sits down with Joris Beerda, CEO of The Octalysis Group, to unpack the five-step Octalysis design process that drives engagement for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft and Porsche. They discuss the critical difference between human-centered and human-focused design, the mechanics of building a high-functioning loyalty loop, and how to prioritize features using the "Biggest Bang for the Buck" model. If you want to move beyond simple points and badges to build experiences users genuinely care about, this conversation lays out the exact blueprint. Joris Beerda is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Octalysis Group. As a world-leading expert in Human-Focused Design and Octalysis Gamification, Joris' global career in creating engagement spans across 20 years, 15 countries and 7 languages. He has designed Human-Focused experiences for dozens of Fortune 500s as well as medium-sized companies. Joris is also a well known Keynote Speaker on Gamification in many renowned conferences throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info LinkedIn: Joris Beerda The Octalysis Group The Octalysis Group Case Studies   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Daniel Kahneman or Richard Thaler Recommended book: Why Everyone Else is a Hypocrite by Robert Kurzban Favorite game: Heroes of the Storm   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    How To Boost Long-Term Retention! Without Relying on Novelty | Episode 437

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 7:53


    Don't experiment on your own revenue with broken game mechanics. Get our guide "Core Drives in the Wild" to learn how to apply real behavioral science to your product: professorgame.com/WildCD We dismantle the myth that simply adding points, badges, and leaderboards will fix a broken product. We explore why superficial rewards often lead to a 90% failure rate in corporate gamification and cause dangerous spikes followed by massive engagement crashes. By contrasting Google News's failed badge system with Wikipedia's intrinsic motivation model, we highlight the critical shift from transactional features to human-focused behavioral science. You can learn how to balance White Hat techniques like Epic Meaning with Black Hat mechanics like Scarcity to build long-term retention without burning out your user base. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links and resources Google News: https://news.google.com Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com The Octalysis Group: https://octalysisgroup.com Lets's do stuff together! Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Guide Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Using AI to Build Better Learning Games | Episode 436

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 37:08


    Have a product challenge around retention? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat Leif Sorensen reveals why most corporate learning games fail. We discuss the "magic powder" fallacy, where companies try to cram too many behavioral frameworks into a single experience. Leif breaks down his process for building AI-generated learning games at Actee and explains why focusing on the transfer of learning is the real secret to changing behavior. The episode also explores the post-COVID failure of traditional LMS platforms and how facilitators can run better sessions by focusing on player engagement instead of memorizing game content. Leif Sørensen is the founder and owner of Actee, a global platform using games to develop soft skills and support learning and change in organizations. He works closely with companies, consultants, and learning professionals to design engaging, research-based learning game experiences. Leif is a frequent speaker and podcast host, focusing on gamification, leadership, and how games can make complex topics easier to understand and act on. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: Actee.com LinkedIn: Leif Sorensen Instagram: @acteeglobal Spotify: The Learning Edge - Gamification and L&D   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Sune Gudiksen Recommended book: Transfer of Learning by Robert E. Haskell Favorite game: Derby   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Why Your Team Hates Your AI Strategy (And How to Fix It) | Episode 435

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 5:49


    If you're implementing AI and want to realize that promised ROI, let's see if Octalysis fits → professorgame.com/chat Breaking down why most AI projects fail despite being technically flawless. The problem isn't the code; it's the lack of behavioral design. By applying the Octalysis Framework, we see how to move away from "Black Hat" implementations that trigger resistance and identity threats. Instead, we shares how to design AI as an individual contributor's superpower. It is a deep dive into balancing short-term Black Hat-driven data bumps with long-term White Hat engagement to ensure your team feels like masters of their craft rather than data entry clerks for an algorithm. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Let's implement AI successfully leveraging Octalysis Behavioral Design professorgame.com/chat How gamifying AI shapes customer motivation, engagement, and purchase behavior Harmonizing human-AI synergy: behavioral science in AI-integrated design Digital tracking, gamification, social media, and AI: How technology influences motivation AI-Driven Gamification Approaches: Enhancing Engagement Through Intelligent  Systems Some of The Octalysis Group's resources: Why Your Sales Leaderboard is Killing Performance (And What AI-Driven Motivation Actually Looks Like) How AI Loyalty Programs are Rewriting Loyalty Why Corporate Learning Platforms Fail (AI Corporate Learning) AI-Powered Behavioral Design for Customer Loyalty The Fintech Engagement Crisis: Why AI Without Behavioral Design Creates Apps Nobody Uses AI Powered FMCG Loyalty: Escaping the Points Trap with Behavioral Design   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    The Blueprint to Leading High-Performing Teams from Day 1 | Episode 434

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 32:10


    I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at TOG. If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat Can a leader truly be effective without ever presenting a single slide? Clark Aldrich returns to the show to dismantle the "expert-led" model of management and education. He introduces Socratic Cards: a physical tool designed to replace passive consumption with active, high-stakes inquiry. By shifting the responsibility of learning from the teacher to the learner, Clark explains how organizations can transition from "easily replaceable employees" to "heroic tribes" that thrive on peer mentorship and meaningful challenges. Clark Aldrich is a past guest (episode 94 and 127) and is the award-winning creator/author/founder of Short Sims, Unschooling Rules, The Complete Guide to Simulations and Serious Games, and Gartner's eLearning coverage. Aldrich's sims and games have been covered extensively, including by The New York Times, ABC, CBS, NPR, ESPN, and CNN. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: socraticcards.com LinkedIn: Clark Aldrich   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Getting ADDICTED to CAREER PROGRESSION is Easy, Actually | Episode 433

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 12:19


    Have a product challenge around retention? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat Stop feeling like you're grinding without a progress bar. In this episode, we explore the behavioral science of "leveling up" in real life to combat burnout and invisible growth. By applying the Octalysis Framework we discusse how to map your career as an evolving skill tree. Whether you are a product leader looking to build meaningful user progression or an individual seeking to reclaim your "Player 1" status, this episode provides a blueprint for turning disjointed milestones into a cohesive, high-functioning journey of mastery. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: The Octalysis Framework Yu-kai Chou's first episode on Professor Game! 10000 Hours of Play by Yu-kai Chou   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question Looking forward to reading or hearing from you, Rob

    From Tank to Healer: Gamifying Academic Teams | Episode 432

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 28:33


    Recently funded and aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat What if your research team worked like a raid party? Raul Mora shares how bringing gamer language and MMORPG structures into academia boosted clarity, motivation, and long-term commitment. This conversation explores community design, role-based engagement, and why listening to gamers is the most underrated retention strategy in education. Raúl is a professor at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia, now also teaching remotely from Trondheim, Norway. He's been in education for over 30 years, including time as a school and English teacher and as a college professor. His research explores second language literacy practices in the city, digital spaces, and schools. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Webs: Guest: elpatronhimself.net Research Lab: lslp.org LinkedIn: Raúl Mora Instagram: @lslplegion TikTok: @lslplegion Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/elpatronhimself.bsky.social Book: Understanding Second Language Users as Gamers   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Antero Garcia Recommended book: What Video Games Have to Teach Us by James P. Gee Favorite game: Mortal Kombat   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Gamification Isn't About Games. It's About Motivation | Episode 431

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 18:44


    I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at The Octalysis Group. If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat Why do people ignore things they know are good for them and obsess over games instead? In this episode, we introduce the Octalysis Framework, unpacking the eight core drives of human motivation and explain how human-focused design leads to stronger engagement, higher retention, and better-designed products, platforms, and learning experiences. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: The Octalysis Framework for Gamification & Behavioral Design Octalysis Prime on YouTube by Yu-kai Chou Actionable Gamification by Yu-kai Chou   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question

    Gamification Where You Least Expect It with David Dand | Episode 430

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 29:57


    If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat The biggest impact of gamification often happens in the least obvious places. In this episode, Rob Alvarez talks with David Dand about using game-inspired strategies in recruitment, leadership, and employee experience to attract better-fit talent, reduce churn, and build stronger, more human organizations, even in highly traditional sectors. David is the Founder and Managing Director of Coreus, a boutique hiring services provider based in Brighton. Coreus specialises in helping professional SMEs tackle critical talent challenges and is experienced in the complexities of recruiting in skilled, competitive, and often highly regulated markets. David is a CIPD-qualified HR and recruitment expert with a career spanning global firms such as EY, AXA, and Roche, with a focus on cultural fit, leadership assessment, and career coaching. He lives in the South Downs near Brighton, UK, with his wife and their three mischievous children. His interests include music, travel, and sport. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: Gamification in Recruitment | Coreus LinkedIn: Personal: David Dand | LinkedIn Company: Coreus Instagram: @coreus_talentacquisition   Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: Hiring Success by Jerome Ternynck Favorite game: Chess and Football   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn't the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are) | Episode 429

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 37:19


    You'll get the same 14-day free trial either way—but if you use my link, you'll also be supporting Professor Game:

    From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad | Episode 428

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 22:37


    In this heartfelt episode, Rob reflects on the profound impact his father, Mariano Alvarez, had on his life, particularly as a prominent actor in Venezuela. As he commemorates the 25th anniversary of his father's passing, Rob shares personal anecdotes that highlight the lessons he learned from Mariano, including the importance of believability in storytelling, the value of physical fitness, and the significance of generosity. Through his father's legacy, Rob connects these lessons to his work in gamification, emphasizing how immersive experiences can evoke empathy and engagement in audiences. Rob also reminisces about their shared love for superheroes and video games, illustrating how these interests were nurtured by his father. He discusses the influence of Mariano's career in theater and film, and how it shaped his understanding of performance and audience connection. Ultimately, this episode serves as a tribute to Mariano's life and the enduring lessons that continue to inspire Rob in both his personal and professional endeavors. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links and Info Mariano Alvarez Wikipedia Mariano Alvarez IMDb Homenaje a Mariano Alvarez - Detrás de las Cámaras Jose Gregorio Hernandez (one of the characters he represented)   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn't Win | Episode 427

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 23:29


    In this rare and deeply personal episode, Rob steps away from the traditional gamification conversation to speak as a Venezuelan. Blending lived experience, political involvement, and game-thinking principles, Rob reflects on the cost of doing everything "by the rules," the exhaustion of democratic paths, and why this moment matters so deeply to millions of Venezuelans around the world. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

    Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 42:08


    If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat What if gamification isn't about rewards at all? James Portnow joins the Professor Game Podcast to explain why intrinsic engagement, thoughtful iteration, and strong design goals matter more than mechanics. From YouTube education to tabletop games, this conversation is packed with insights on building experiences people truly care about. James Portnow is a Game Designer by trade, who's worked on games ranging from the Call of Duty Series to League of Legends to Farmville. His latest project, Cyberpunk Legends (the official Cyberpunk co-op card game), Kickstarted for over a million dollars, putting it in the top 1% of kickstarters ever created. He is also the creator of one of the most popular YouTube channels on history, Extra History. He's spoken at universities and corporations around the world and at conferences ranging from GDC to PAX to SXSW. He's been quoted in the New York Times and Time Magazine, published by Oxford University Press and has taught at the Masters and Bachelor's level. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: nightcrewgames.com LinkedIn: James Portnow Instagram: @night.crew.games @extracredits TikTok: @night.crew.games Facebook: nightcrewgames ExtraCredits Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/nightcrewgames.bsky.social YouTube: Extra Credits Extra History Other links: kickstarter.com/projects/cyberpunklegends/cyberpunk-legends-into-the-night   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Richard Garfield of Magic The Gathering Designer on Candy Crush - Perhaps David Darabian? Jonathan Blow The Slay the Spire guys - Mega Crit Recommended book: Poetics by Aristotle Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard Favorite game: Magic The Gathering

    The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 13:40


    Want to run away from destroying an experience? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat A magical Christmas experience in Madrid almost collapsed because of one overlooked detail. We break down a real-world holiday experience through the stages of gamification, and reveal where confusion can destroy even the most beautiful experience. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: El Manantial de los Sueños 4 Phases of a Player Journey   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur | Episode 424

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 28:50


    If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat What if your bio was more than a skills list and your job hunt felt like a well-designed game? We explore with our guest Jade Arthur how to gamify the job search for the games industry, creating stories, systems and mindsets that boost confidence, visibility and long-term career engagement. Jade is a language and mindset coach for job seekers in gaming. She helps job seekers take down the villains in their job search like the "Cover Letter Crusher" and the "Interview Assassin." Her mission is to give job seekers the knowledge to authentically express their value and vision while finding joy in the process. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: make-the-grade-with-jade.lovable.app LinkedIn: Jade Arthur Instagram: @makethegradewithjade   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guests: Bruno Frasca Recommended book: Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath Favorite game: Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    You're Using Streaks Wrong - Here's What Actually Works | Episode 423

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 16:34


    Exploring useful streaks for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat Why do streaks motivate users at first but eventually push them away? Rob explores the psychology behind collapses, the dangers of existing habit metrics, and practical ways to redesign streaks so they support, not sabotage, long-term engagement. Perfect for product leads, community builders, and behavior designers. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Duolingo (language learning & streak mechanics) Happier Meditation (formerly 10% Happier) Streaks (habit-tracking app) Finch (self-care & habit-tracking app) Octalysis Framework (gamification & Core Drives) Abstinence Violation Effect (psychology of lapses)   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Quests, Self-Talk & Health: Glen Lubbert's Stamina Lab Game of Life | Episode 422

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 31:52


    Retention or loyalty on your roadmap? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat We unpack the "tell the cab driver where to go" strategy, health quests, and the eight magic words that shift self-talk from guilt and shame to possibility and lasting change on this chat with Stamina Lab CEO Glen Lubbert. We discuss how to turn health and well-being into a game you can actually win. Glen is the co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, a health tech company that helps people create lasting well-being—not through willpower, hacks, habits, or fixing themselves—but by building on the inner resources and skills they already have. His company combines solution-focused health coaching, behavior science, and personalized data to improve energy, focus and resilience—without the usual shame or overwhelm. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: staminalab.io LinkedIn: Glen Lubbert Instagram: @staminalab.io X/Twitter: @glenlubbert YouTube: youtube.com/@staminalabTV   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Dr. Deborah Teplow Recommended book: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia Favorite game: The Five Crowns Card Game   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Stop Shaming Your Users: Ethical Alternatives to Dark Patterns | Episode 421

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 19:00


    Exploring behavioral design without shaming? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat In this episode, we break down the wild world of "confirm shaming": manipulative, guilt-driven prompts apps use to push you into saying yes. From hilarious to downright unethical examples, we unpack why these dark patterns harm long-term loyalty and how to use motivation ethically to build real engagement and retention. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Confirmshaming.tumblr.com deceptive.design Ethics in Game-Based Solutions and Gamification | Episode 153 Andrzej Marczewski Doing Ethics In Gamification | Episode 161 Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Building Beats Playing: Matt Dalio's Path | Episode 420

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 33:07


    Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free:

    8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast | Episode 419

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 14:30


    Aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat Eight years, 420 episodes, and countless insights later: we celebrate the incredible journey of the Professor Game Podcast. From humble beginnings to becoming the #1 gamification podcast in the world, this episode dives into consistency, growth, and what's next for the Engagers community. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Episodes mentioned: Episode 000 Episode 1 with Yu-kai Chou! Episode 2 with Scott Reinke, winner of the Educational Gamification Project of the Year 2016 Professor Game, the world's #1 gamification podcast, is recognized by independent rankings such as MillionPodcasts, Feedspot, Player.fm, and others like ListenNotes. Gamification World Congress, this is the most official reference still online I could find! The Octalysis Group Community Building Resources: Game of Skool Community Social Media and Contact Information: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Professor Game YouTube Channel   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    Design With Audiences: Mister and Mischief's Playful Guide to Engagement | Episode 418

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 33:07


    The Secret Framework That Keeps Users Coming Back | Episode 417

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 16:00


    Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat We dive into the fascinating overlap between product thinking and gamification. By bridging Marty Cagan's product discovery mindset with the Octalysis framework, we uncover how to build not just functional products — but ones users love coming back to. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Some public references to the Octalysis Framework and the process discussed: The Strategy Dashboard for Gamification Design Using the Octalysis Framework to Understand What Game Design Techniques to Use Intro to the Battleplan Spreadsheet within Octalysis Design References to Marty Cagan and his works and principles through Silicon Valley's Product Group (SVPG): Principles Discovery vs. Delivery Markers of an Empowered Product Team: A Talk by Marty Cagan The Product Discovery Plan   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    From Viral Spike to Sticky Play: Doug Weitzbuch on Building Housle | Episode 416

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 32:58 Transcription Available


    Epic Fight? Here's What Really Happened | Episode 415

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 14:36 Transcription Available


    Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat No, there was no epic showdown, just a powerful new alliance. Rob joins The Octalysis Group and reveals how this new chapter amplifies his mission to make gamification practical, ethical, and impactful. Plus, what stays the same on Professor Game. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: Let's chat about your gamification project The Octalysis Group Team Octalysis Design Challenge by Rob Yu-kai Chou is episode 001 of Professor Game Yu-kai Chou's 10k HP new book episode   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question  

    From Fan to Creator: Jaime Schwarz on the IP Economy | Episode 414

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 35:40 Transcription Available


    Want your members to actually stick around and engage without burning out or guessing what works? Join our free community of retention-focused leaders: 

    The One Choice That Will Determine Your Online Success | Episode 413

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 9:13 Transcription Available


    Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free:

    Why Careers Need a Game Loop, with Unity's Jessica Lindl | Episode 412

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 26:42 Transcription Available


    Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free:

    How To Grow Your Community! Without Paying For Ads | Episode 411

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 11:13 Transcription Available


    Your next viral title is already written. Get the free sheet:

    I Tried VR Fire Training (and Failed to Find the Phone) with Ludus | Episode 409

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 2:57 Transcription Available


    I Paid 5 Growth Experts To Create A Growth Playbook For The Same Community | Episode 408

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 8:04 Transcription Available


    Don't guess your next title – get the proven ones for free:

    Civic Engagement Through Classroom Games with Kerry Flanagan-Owen | Episode 407

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 32:22 Transcription Available


    How to Win at the Game of Life (Without Playing by the Rules) | Episode 406

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 15:49 Transcription Available


    If you feel like your inner explorer's been benched for too long... you're not alone. We're rebuilding new learning quests inside a Skool group. Might be your next side quest.

    From Skeptics to Superstars: The Power of Play at Work with Alex Suchman | Episode 405

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 35:44 Transcription Available


    Why Your Game Mechanic Is the Learning with Elisa Navarro Chinchilla | Episode 404

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 33:24 Transcription Available


    Get access to over $1,000 worth of retention and gamification strategies, templates, and live sessions—for free. All inside our Professor Game community:

    Secrets to Building the Most Engaging Community Ever | Episode 403

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 5:24 Transcription Available


    Click the link below to book a quick 10–15 minute chat with me. No sales, no pressure—just ideas and clarity on how to engage your community and grow revenue.

    From Boring to Brilliant: Rethinking Education with AI and Engagement | Episode 402

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 31:39 Transcription Available


    Failed Game Becomes a Hit — 8 Years Later with Dain Saint | Episode 401

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 34:51 Transcription Available


    Level Up IRL: Designing Your Purpose with Yu-kai Chou | Episode 400

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 40:12 Transcription Available


    They Made $300k Per Month With Skool (Just Copy Them) | Episode 399

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 14:37 Transcription Available


    Want help creating online revenue—without needing like a thousand different tools? Book a free 1:1 call to create your single platform revenue-creating online community:

    When Computers Taught You to Create, Not Just Consume with Jesper Juul | Episode 398

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 34:18 Transcription Available


    If you're struggling to make more money with your online community, check out my FREE resources to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web What can a 40-year-old machine teach us about loyalty, engagement, and creative freedom? In this episode, Jesper Juul returns to the Professor Game Podcast to talk about his new book Too Much Fun, diving deep into the legacy of the Commodore 64. From hacking and game development to subculture and hardware design, Jesper unpacks the "five lives" of the C64 and what they reveal about user retention, tinkering, and systems that last. If you're designing for engagement today, this is a nostalgia-fueled masterclass in getting it right—and where we started getting it wrong. Jesper Juul is a video game theorist and occasional developer working at the Royal Danish Academy. He has previously taught at MIT and New York University. His books include Half-Real, and recently “Too much Fun” about the Commodore 64, his first computer, on which he wrote games and demos. Here's his first episode on the podcast: Jesper Juul and Handmade Games Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: jesperjuul.net X/Twitter: @jesperjuul BlueSky: @jesperjuul.bsky.social   Links to episode mentions: Jesper's new book: Too Much Fun: The Five Lives of the Commodore 64 Computer   Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question

    AI + Game Thinking = Retention Breakthrough | Episode 397

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 32:00 Transcription Available


    Click the link below to book a quick 10–15 minute chat with me. No sales, no pressure—just ideas and clarity on how to engage your community and grow revenue.

    Why Most Community Building Fails (And HOW TO WIN) | Episode 396

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 9:43 Transcription Available


    Claim Professor Game Podcast | Rob Alvarez Bucholska chats with gamification gurus, experts and practitioners about education

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel