Abstract
The chapter focuses on convergence in creative computing between simulation and gaming. It examines the collapse of categorical differences between games, play and simulation, categories that were rarely used concurrently. The chapter uses a media archaeology – the study of historical conditions enabling emerging technology – to explore gamification, or the design practice of embedding game mechanics into everyday applications and activities. Gamification is employed as a prominent design tactic for motivating users to perform contextual tasks based on strategically deployed game dynamics. This analysis highlights convergence and creative technologies as a historical process.