Gamification is a relatively new term which was coined and has been made highly popular in the Internet era. From the related Wikipedia article:
Though the term "gamification" was coined in 2002 by Nick Pelling, a British-born computer programmer and inventor, it did not gain popularity until 2010.
The term has made it into recognized English Dictionaries. Oxford Online Dictionary defines it as:
The application of typical elements of game playing (e.g. point scoring, competition with others, rules of play) to other areas of activity, typically as an online marketing technique to encourage engagement with a product or service
However, the concept of "gamification" itself is not new. Our parents and teachers, for instance, have constantly been rewarding or trying to recognize our useful participation and constructive contribution in one way or the other.
That said, it is implied that if you fail to perform up to the mark, you risk not getting the rewards or worse, having the rewards taken away from you.
Consider a few examples of gains and loses,
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You gain if
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You are the first to complete an assignment and win a certificate/extra grade points.
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You assist you mother in maintaining the garden / walk your dog and get extra pocket money.
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You lose if
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You fail to complete and submit the assignment, lose some ranks in the Class Leader board and have your name added to the "Defaulters" list.
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Your sibling perfectly completes a household task and pockets all the cash even those earmarked for you!
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Today, Gamification would be THE term. But…
Is there a proper term that conveys the concept of "gamification"/"gamifying something" before it became popular? (thanks to the Internet).
Could incentivize be that term? Or are there other terms that aptly preceded gamification? (may be in the last few decades of 20th century)
Usage Sentence:
Our parents and teachers used to __________ our routines , rewarding every useful contribution and penalizing unproductive actions. Today, it's known as gamification!
Clarification on the Usage Sentence above:
The above usage sentence is tentative and please let it not mislead or restrict you. Answerers can give any example that fits this context.
Best Answer
I love the word gamify. Before that we used to have to use the set phrase, "Turn it into a game". My mom would say, "Okay kids. Let's turn it into a game." Then she would gamify our chores with little tiles for points and score cards for the week, with minimum number of tiles to earn for a popsicle, etc.
Your example sentence: