Degame

/diːˈɡeɪm/ verb

Definition

In video gaming and game design, to remove game elements or mechanics that make something feel overly like a game, reducing artificial constraints and systems.

Etymology

From 'de-' (remove) plus 'game.' This is recent technical jargon from video game design communities, emerging in the 2010s as designers discussed how to make games feel more like natural experiences.

Kelly Says

Degaming is the opposite of gamification—while gamification adds game mechanics to non-games (like achievement badges on fitness apps), degaming removes obvious game elements to create immersion.

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