The Impact of Gamification on Brand Engagement, Brand Awareness, and Brand Loyalty Case Study of Asiacell in Iraqi Kurdistan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Raparin Technical and Vocational Institute, Department of Business and Office Administration, Iraq, 46012.

Abstract

Gamification, the strategic integration of game-design elements into non-game contexts, has emerged as a prominent strategy for various industries to engage consumers and foster durable brand loyalty. This study presents an in-depth investigation into the influence of gamification on consumer engagement, brand awareness, and brand loyalty within the specific context of Asiacell, a leading telecommunications provider in Iraqi Kurdistan. The primary objective is to empirically assess the effectiveness of Asiacell's gamification strategies in actively engaging its customer base, enhancing overall brand perception, and cultivating lasting brand loyalty. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was collected from a sample of 405 active users of the Asiacell mobile application in Iraqi Kurdistan. The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS software to test a conceptual model linking gamification elements to brand outcomes. The findings reveal that key gamification elements—specifically fun, competition, and rewards—significantly and positively impact brand engagement.

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