Why our brain loves playing

Can you remember the last time you learned something without even realizing it? Maybe while playing an escape game, trying out an interactive quiz, or taking part in a challenge with colleagues. It was more fun, more engaging… and, most importantly, you still remember it.

That’s no coincidence. The reason gamification is booming today is that it activates powerful mechanisms in our brain. It motivates us, pushes us further, and strengthens memory retention. In short, our brain loves to play—it’s almost like a cheat code for learning!

In this article, we’ll explore why games work so well on our brains and how to use them to make training more effective. And we won’t just stick to theory—we’ll look at a real-life case study with Biomérieux, which transformed its SSE training into an interactive and engaging experience with Ludiz.

Playing: learning without even noticing it

Watch a child play. They test, fail, and try again. And in the process, they absorb a huge amount of information without even realizing it. No one needs to say, *"Learn this"—*they just do.

Why? Because playing stimulates the brain and activates the reward system. Every time we complete a challenge, unlock a level, or earn points, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation. And that’s exactly what keeps us going, encouraging us to try again and improve.

Neuroscience confirms it: learning based on rewards boosts memory retention and motivation (Schultz, 1998). And this principle doesn’t just apply to video games—it’s exactly what we implemented with Biomérieux. Instead of a traditional training format, where employees listen to a trainer go through slides, we offered an interactive gamified experience, complete with challenges, missions, and rewards through a digital interface.

The result? A significant boost in engagement—and most importantly, knowledge that sticks.

Why do we retain information better when we play?

Ever tried memorizing a list of dates by heart? Not easy. But if those same facts are embedded in a story or a game, they become much easier to remember.

This is what we call active learning. Studies have shown that we retain information much better when we are involved in thinking and experimenting, rather than just passively listening (Slamecka & Graf, 1978).

For Biomérieux’s gamified training, we used this exact approach: instead of delivering safety instructions in a one-way format, we placed employees in realistic scenarios. They had to make decisions, solve problems, and directly see the consequences of their choices.

This method, inspired by Kolb’s experiential learning model (1984), led to a retention rate of over 90% for key information, compared to 70% with traditional methods.

Instant feedback: the key to staying motivated

Imagine playing a game where you never know if you’re doing well or not. Frustrating, right? It’s the same with training: without immediate feedback, it’s impossible to know if you’re making progress.

Research by Hattie & Timperley (2007) shows that real-time feedback is one of the most powerful factors in reinforcing learning. A good game immediately tells you whether you’ve succeeded or failed and allows you to try again.

Why is this crucial? Because an instant feedback system makes a game both stimulating and engaging. It encourages learners to try again, do better, and find the right answers. And above all, it makes them proactive in their learning process.

That’s exactly what we implemented in Biomérieux’s SSE training: every action triggered an immediate reaction, allowing participants to see the impact of their choices right away.

The results?- A 45% increase in engagement- Training that’s no longer a chore, but a motivating and interactive experience- Learners who take control, make choices, and see their direct impact on their final score

This instant feedback system was also used in a custom-built game on hypertension, designed for doctors. The goal? To help them stay updated on best practices for diagnosing and prescribing treatment.

• In this game, doctors could freely choose the tests and observations they wanted to perform.
• Based on their decisions, the interface would indicate whether their choices aligned with best practices or needed adjustment.
• They learned by experimenting—without any risk, since the patient was 100% virtual.

Learning from mistakes is key… but in a safe environment!

How to integrate gamification into your training?

Good news: you don’t need to be a game designer to make training more engaging. With tools like Ludiz, you can integrate game mechanics in just a few clicks.

Some best practices:

• Create a clear progression: Offer evolving challenges and milestones to keep learners motivated.
• Prioritize interaction: Instead of a linear course, make learners active participants in their journey.
• Use smart rewards: Badges, points, and leaderboards shouldn’t just look good—they should enhance motivation.
• Provide instant feedback: Every action should have a visible consequence, helping learners adjust their understanding in real time.

Our game design experience shows that when these principles are applied correctly, they can turn a traditional training into an engaging and effective experience.

Conclusion: gamification is a game-changer for learning

Why does gamification work so well? Because it aligns perfectly with how our brain naturally learns:- It stimulates dopamine, boosting motivation.- It promotes active learning, improving retention.- It provides instant feedback, reinforcing engagement.

With Ludiz, integrating these principles into training is simple and accessible. Even in a serious setting like safety training, gamification can make all the difference.

So, are you ready to transform your training with the power of play?