Learning Games and gamification are considered powerful tools in learning and business, only when designed and executed well, for the purposes they are intended to serve. 

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While both share the same genetic code in their ideology, learning games are actual games, learning activities that heavily rely on the content and the learner's experience of the content within the game. Gamification, in contrast, is about using the same game principles, game mechanics (points, levels, missions, leaderboards, badges, progress), and game dynamics (emotions, behaviors, desires of the user) in a non-game environment with a heavy reliance on the game structure and the participant’s journey from the beginning to the end. At its core, gamification is aimed at driving user engagement to influence desired learning or business results.

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Learning games with single screen interactions like hangman, jeopardy, crosswords, flashcards, puzzles, Pictionary, shooting, etc. and more complex multiple screen interaction games like who wants to be a millionaire, role plays, business simulations and character-based scenarios amongst others have been effectively used over the years across subject areas, learner profiles and age groups.  

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Both, learning games and gamification are intended to aid the process of gaining attention, eliciting interest, building curiosity, the setting of goals, encouraging higher participation and response, problem-solving, competition, and overall, increased user engagement and sustained motivation, all in a fun environment.