With the rise of social gaming, there's a huge opportunity for brands to create marketing games that are able to show off the features of a new product or service, offer incentives or even just a fun way to pass the time.
These examples of gamification take the form of apps or experiences that encourage play in real life. By nature, most games are fun, which is what makes them great for giving mundane products a boost. Although there are plenty of games that will satisfy your need for action or adventure, sometimes a game doesn't even have to be exciting for it to be successful, as proven by the extremely frustrating Flappy Bird, or classic arcade games with a nostalgia factor. Taco Bell's 'The Waiting Game' is a fantastic example of how a game can be intentionally tedious, boring, and still something that people want to play because there's a desirable prize to be won at the end.
28 Online Marketing Games

26
Soccer Hospitality Campaigns
TripAdvisor Makes Predictions for Wins Based on World Cup Hotel Stays

25
World Cup Fry Packaging
McDonald's World Cup App Turns the Iconic Fry Packaging into a Soccer Game

24
Shark-Inspired Automotive Games
Volkswagen Shark Week Campaign Features Shark-Centric Car Games
23
Mind-Controlled Gaming Billboards
Mindpong Uses Interactive Billboard Advertising to Beat Cancer
22
Gamified Social Accounts
Adidas' Social Media Campaign Turns Instagram into a Game
21
Interactive Social Adventure Games
This Instagram Hosts an Interactive Choose Your Own Adventure
20
Interactive Avatar-Making Billboards
McDonald's Little Piccadilly is an Interactive Advertisement
19
Period Arcade Games
Kotex Advertises Its 3D Capture Core Pads with Two Marketing Games
18
Retro Diner Arcade Apps
Denny's Atari Remix App Turns Arcade Classics into Breakfast Games
17
Fantasy World Cup Apps
The FIFA 14 by EA Sports App Lets You Build a World Cup Fantasy Team
16
Facebook-Controlled Foosball Tables
The Lidl Fan Cup Let World Cup Fans Compete Remotely
15
Playful Soccer Vending Machines
The Pepsi Football Vending Machine Tests Your Soccer Skills
14
Song Snatching Apps
Air France Music Utilizes Augmented Reality to Let Flyers Download in the Sky
13
Urinal Football Games
Captain Morgan's World Cup Game Campaign Takes Place in the Washroom
12
App-Connected Commercials
McDonald's Fruit Match Commercial Plays a Game with Smartphones
11
Unifying Sports Campaigns
Carlsberg's Border Football World Cup Campaign Unites the Divided
10
Interactive Melting Advertisements
Virtually Cooling McDonald's Ice Cream Ad Promises a Treat
9
Competitive Vending Machines
Knacki's Vending Machine Game Pit People Against Leo Van Der Elst
8
Mobile Phone-Snooping Games
Norton's 'Enjoy Your Privacy' Game Shows Mobile Security Breaches
7
Kinetic Racetrack-Building Games
KIA's GT Ride App Lets You Build a Racetrack by Moving Your Body
6
Shoppable Dress-Up Games
Covet's Fashion Game App Lets You Try on and Buy Designer Clothing
5
Workout-Encouraging Subway Stations
This Exercise Machine Trades Squats for Subway Fares
4
Online Soccer Scavenger Hunts
This World Cup 2014 Campaign by Adidas and Google is Interactive
3
Interactive Gaming Campaigns
Perrier Takes on the Gamer Market with a First-Person Party Game
2
Interactive Injury Games
Spencers Solicitors Launches Game Called 'Should They Claim?'
1
Tedious Lineup Games
This Taco Bell Game Simulates the Torture of Waiting Around in Line
Related Ideas
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
High-Fashion Video Game Consoles
The Balenciaga Snake Game Marks the Lunar New Year
Family Board Game Promos
Hasbro and Birds Eye Teamed Up to Encourage Family Bonding
AI-Powered Dating Simulators
The Game Game by Tinder Makes Meet-Cute Scenarios Less Intimidating
Mindful Handheld Gaming Systems
The Conceptual 'Kimera' Handheld Gaming Console is Immersive
Comedic E-Commerce Brand Spots
Instacart Unveiled a Teaser for its Super Bowl Commercial
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Emotionally Rewarding Multiplayer Games
Toca Boca Days Helps Tweens Find a Sense of Belonging
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Promotional Game-Themed Collabs
Microsoft Partnered with Several CPG Brands to Offer Xbox Rewards
Novel AI-Generated Product Designs
Arcade Introduced a Transformative AI Product Creation Platform
In-Game Billboard Advertising
Gameloft Enables Partners to Advertise Natively in its Games
Gamified Gamified Productivity Platforms
BeeDone Turns Productivity into Play with AI Tasks
Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards
Gymshark Unveils the Shoplift Campaign Ahead of Sale
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Streaming Series Games
Netflix Stories Invites Viewers to Participate in Their Own Adventures
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
Affordability-Focused Game-Day Campaigns
Kroger Offers Discounts on Snacks, Beverages & Foods
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
AI-Assisted Business Ads
Google Workspace's 50 States, 50 Stories Shares Small Businesses Using AI
Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns
March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes
Fashion Styling Games
Revolve Provides an Immersive Shopping Experience on Bellemint
Interactive Screen-Free Games
Spin & Play® Encourages Physical Activity and Cognitive Development
Digital Staredown Games
Modern Human Habits Inspired TWIX's Second Screen Staredown
Modern Update Mobile Games
Flappy Bird is Getting Another Launch with New Modern Changes
Social Media App Campaigns
Snapchat Promotes Creators in a Bold Campaign Amid TikTok Uncertainty
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Active Lifestyle-Supporting Campaigns
Kellogg's® Vector® Launches the Become Your Player Campaign
Drink-Shaped Gaming Devices
7-Eleven is Giving Fans the Chance to Win a Slurpee-Shaped Tetris Game
Nostalgic Sports-Focused Grocery Campaigns
Instacart Debuts a Campaign in Kansas City
Cinematic Video Game Spots
Droga5’s ‘Wake Up’ Campaign for Xbox Shows an Escape from the Everyday
Traveling Fashion Showcases
The Guess Bus in Sydney is an Example of Experimental Marketing
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Fandom-Friendly Campaigns
WhatsApp & Netflix Unite for a Squid Game Fandom Celebration
Wellness-Focused Gaming Platforms
TELUS Channels Interactive Games as Mental Support with GameRx™
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
QSR Game-Inspired Fitness Partnerships
WithU and McDonald's MONOPOLY Make Strides in the UK
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
In-Game Advertising Services
StackAdapt Offers Engaging Game Advertising for its Clients
AI-Powered Adventure Apps
The 'Globe Chaser' App Features Geocaching-Inspired Tours
Immersive Cereal Cities
Kellogg's Town Welcomes Virtual Visitors in a Breakfast World
Cinematic Dance-Driven Campaigns
DoorDash's 'Your Door to More' Campaign Highlights its Offerings
QSR-Branded In-Game Experiences
The Jack in the Box Fortnite CEO Minigames are Branded
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Creator Economy-Focused Marketplaces
Teespring Marketplace Relaunches Under Parent Company Amaze
Social Sports Applications
EA is Launching the EA Sports Social App on Web and Mobile
Premium Mobile Advertising Applications
Discord is Expanding its 'Video Quests' to Mobile
Cheerful Healthy Snack Campaigns
Garden Veggie Snacks' YUMbelievably Delicious is Innovative
Super Bowl Drive-Thru Commercials
Taco Bell Debuts Its Live Más Drive-Thru Cams Campaign
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Smart TV Party Games
Jackbox Games is Coming to Smart TVs Through a New Update
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Mobile Game Universe Expansions
King Expands Its Roster with Candy Crush Solitaire
Fashion Gaming App-Updates
Fashion Gaming App 'Drest' Launches New Update
Home Improvement-Branded Games
Lowe's Partners with EA SPORTS to Make In-Game Appearances
Gamified Crowdfunding Platforms
Tiltify Personal Helps Raise Money with Interactive Tools
AI-Generated Ad Tools
X’s Grok Could Transform Marketing for Brands
GenAI Avocado Campaigns
Avocado From Mexico's Guacline Connects Fans to Gronk AI
Gaming-Inspired Apparel
Uniqlo Celebrates Honor of Kings’ 10th Anniversary with Graphic Tee Drop
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Social-Focused Childrens Games
Dragon Snacks Games' 'Solar Punk' Will Act as a Social Hub
Gamified Education Platforms
Trust Wallet Has Introduced a New Feature Called Trust Wallet Quests
Gamified Step Trackers
CanGoGo Rewards Your Steps by Collecting Cute Animals and Cans
Stream-to-Earn Gaming Apps
'Tilted' is Coming to iOS Devices Later this January
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Productivity-Focused Exercise Apps
Steppin Locks Your Social Apps Until You Log Physical Activity
Gamified Productivity Apps
Tomo Cafe is an Anime-Inspired Productivity App With RPG Elements
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
Interactive App-Themed Game Maps
Twitch Unveiled 'The Glitch' Brand Map in Fortnite for Twitchcon
TV Game-Inspired Pizza Campaigns
Netflix and Domino's Join on Emergency Pizza Campaigns
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Video Game Refreshment Campaigns
The Suntory x Super Mario Campaign is Playful
Screen Time Reduction Apps
BePresent Gamifies Limiting Phone Usage with Daily Challenges
Saucy High-Definition Screen Campaigns
Zaxby’s is Leveraging the Busy Black Friday Shopping Period
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Gamified Yogurt Tube Campaigns
The Frubes Freeze ‘Em Campaign Includes a New Online Game
AI-Powered Marketing Solutions
BrandPilot AI Unveils a New Marketing Campaign Management App
Family Entertainment Apps
The Chick-fil-A Play App Shares Shows, Games, Activities and More
Interactive Juice Packaging
Gulf Union Foods Launched Fun Connected Packaging for its Juices
Music-Based Fitness Apps
Feed.fm Highlights the Significant Role Music Plays for Fitness Apps
Language App Pop-Ups
Duolingo Hosted an Interactive Street Society Event in Soho
Second-Screen Vehicle Sweepstakes
Kia Squares Engaged Sports Fans During the Big Game
Interactive Ad Tools
Create Interactive Ads for More Engagement and Installs with PlayBuild
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
Accessible Game Development Apps
CrazyGames Partnered with 'Struckd' to Enable In-Browser Creation
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Cozy Self-Exploration Games
Betwixt Provides Epic Escapes from Stress & Anxiety with Storytelling
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Gamified Shopping Experiences
Browse Booster Rewards Coupons for Product Views
Gamified Sustainability Platforms
The Carbon Games is an App that Makes Sustainability Competitive
Ball Game-Promoting Urban Initiatives
London Sport and Saatchi & Saatchi Run 'More Ball Games'
Large-Scale Livestream Giveaways
The Big Reward by Fetch Created Second-Screen Engagement for Fans
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
Interactive Image Mapping
Image Mapping Lets Businesses Create Designs Seamlessly
Immersive Restaurant Rewards App
Bella Italia is Unveiling a New Digital App for its Guests
Interactive Choice Wheels
Pick The Wheel Gamifies Decision Making While Making it Engaging
Social Puzzle Platforms
Puzzlit Lets Users Play Daily Puzzles and Connect With Friends Worldwide
Game-Collaborative Phygital Apparel
Balenciaga Unveils a Collaboration with Need for Speed Mobile
Couples Engagement Apps
LovOn Strengthens Relationships With Daily Questions, Games, & Activities
Gamified Children's Productivity Apps
Kangaroutine Helps Kids Who Struggle with Routines
Relaxing Brain Teaser Games
Sprinkle Words Takes a Non-Competitive Approach to Phone Games
Mobile App Builders
AppBuzz Transforms Your Ecom Site into a Mobile App in 60 Seconds
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Game Marketing Tools
Conduit.gg is a Marketing for Game Developers That's Great for Social Media
Web-Based Mobile Game Stores
Microsoft Mobile Games is Launching a Web-Based Store
Playful Food-Themed Games
Taco Vs Burrito Offers a Fun and Lighthearted Card Game
Gamified Spelling Bee Preparation
RoBee Helps Spellers Master Challenging Words for Competition
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Gamified Productivity Apps
Triforce Todos Combines Retro Game Style With Task Management Tools
Interactive Entertainment Board Games
MONOPOLY GO! Transforms Digital Mobile Game into Real Play
Stimulating Word Association Games
Worlds of Words Challenges Players to Think Outside the Box
AR Merchandising Tools
Instore Activation Enhances Trade Marketing With Real-Time AR Solutions
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Bubble Tea Art Games
Call of Boba is a Fun Game where Players Sell Bubble Tea Drinks
Mentally Stimulating Game Collections
Fresh Words: Word Game Boasts Engaging and Challenging Games
Addictive Puzzle Games
Tap Drops, Trigger Reactions, and Clear Levels with Game of Splash!
Fitness Studio Gamification Tools
Xplor Mariana Tek Enhances Member Motivation & Engagement
Strategic Running Gameplay
Battle Run Invites Joggers to Conquer Territories on Their Runs
Gaming Platform Rebrands
Marblex Gaming Platform Rebrands with a Bold Focus on Fun and Community
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Live Music Booking Apps
Gig App is an All-in-One Platforms for Artists and Venues
Gamified Productivity Apps
Get Productive Turns Phone-Free Time into a Game with Rewards
Creative Hollywood-Themed Games
'Greenlight' Tasks Players with Pitching Ideas to Studio Heads
Social Gaming Platforms
Dartify Lets You Play Real-Time Online Dart Matches With Friends
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
Gamified Recruitng Platforms
Hattl Matches Candidates with Jobs by Testing Skills & Culture Fit
Learning Game Platforms
Study Snacks Turns Vocabulary and Knowledge Learning Into a Fun Game
Re-Imagined Adult Party Games
Fluttr Spin the Bottle Features 150 Naughty Challenges
Gamified Productivity Boosters
Focus Dash Uses Rewards and Fun to Help You Stay on Track
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Gamified Personal Goal Platforms
GoalQuest Transforms Goal-Setting into an Adventure
Party Game Apps
Luminary is The Ultimate Mobile Game for Fun, Stats, and Socializing
Interactive Golf Experiences
Hackers Golf Makes Scoring and Playing Golf Fun for All Skill Levels