Hiring is entering a new era, one where the best talent is unearthed through…play? Yes, play! Enter game-based assessments, the revolutionary tools turning work into a thrilling adventure.

A TED speaker recently ignited the stage with their bold claim: games are the future of recruitment. And they might be right.

“If we want to create a better world, the old school of thought ‘Games are the antithesis of work’, has to change.”

Jane McGonigal, Game Designer, 2010

Though the idea may seem counter-intuitive, here are some reasons why we need more ‘game-based approaches’ at work –

1. Gaming Brings out the Problem-Solver in You

Jane began her TED talk by presenting 2 photographs –

  • A Gamer’s Face
Game-based Assessments: James McGonigal TED Talk
Image Courtesy: James McGonigal TED Talk

This face shows “the sense of urgency, a little bit of fear, but intense concentration, deep, deep focus on tackling a really difficult problem.”

  • The ‘I Am Not Good At Life’ Face
Game-based assessments: McGonigal's TedTalk
Image Courtesy: James McGonigal TED Talk

Unfortunately, we see this face more often in our everyday lives as we try to tackle urgent problems!

Imagine a team member who tackles challenges like a gamer. Deeply invested in the problem, brimming with optimism and energy – wouldn’t you want that at your company?

In today’s dynamic economy, active problem-solvers are gold. So, what better way to find them than through games designed to unlock their potential?

2. Relevance to Jobs

Sure, games are “fun”. Game-based assessments are “engaging”. But what is that one thing about them that stands out?

Unlike traditional tests, these games are crafted to reveal job-specific behaviours.

Think of it like this: a talent leader picks a game tailored to the role. A sales candidate might face challenges testing negotiation skills, customer satisfaction, and task prioritization. For a product manager, it’s all about analytical thinking, multitasking, and the ability to drive results.

In simple words, game-based assessments paint a detailed picture of how abilities translate into real-world job performance. No more guessing potential – these games show it in action.

3. Fairness

If candidates are assessed through games, wouldn’t gamers be at an added advantage? Not really. Fundamentally, game-based assessments are the engaging and immersive avatars of traditional assessments. These games are designed to ensure that candidates without any prior gaming experience can also play.

How to Play: Game-based Assessments
GIF Courtesy of James Thatcher @Giphy

Fair enough! But, how do these games ensure this is brought into practice?

  1. Guided Start: Interactive tutorials lay the groundwork, giving candidates clear instructions.
  2. Practice Makes Perfect: Games include multiple practice rounds with helpful feedback to polish skills before the real test.
  3. Fair Ground for All: No matter the background, these games provide a level playing field. The focus is on showcasing real-world traits and abilities.

This careful setup ensures the results are reliable, even for people from different backgrounds. Everyone gets the same chance to learn and shine, making these assessments fair and accurate for all.

Intrigued by playful hiring? Schedule a call with us to learn more about game-based assessments.