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Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426

Professor Game Podcast

Release Date: 01/05/2026

When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn’t Win | Episode 427 show art When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn’t Win | Episode 427

Professor Game Podcast

In this rare and deeply personal episode, Rob steps away from the traditional gamification conversation to speak as a Venezuelan. Blending lived experience, political involvement, and game-thinking principles, Rob reflects on the cost of doing everything “by the rules,” the exhaustion of democratic paths, and why this moment matters so deeply to millions of Venezuelans around the world. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1...

info_outline Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426 show art Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426

Professor Game Podcast

If you’re considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I’m happy to compare options with you: What if gamification isn’t about rewards at all? James Portnow joins the Professor Game Podcast to explain why intrinsic engagement, thoughtful iteration, and strong design goals matter more than mechanics. From YouTube education to tabletop games, this conversation is packed with insights on building experiences people truly care about. James Portnow is a Game Designer by trade, who's worked on games ranging from the Call of Duty Series to League of Legends to Farmville. His...

info_outline The Magic Doesn’t Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425 show art The Magic Doesn’t Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425

Professor Game Podcast

Want to run away from destroying an experience? Happy to brainstorm → A magical Christmas experience in Madrid almost collapsed because of one overlooked detail. We break down a real-world holiday experience through the stages of gamification, and reveal where confusion can destroy even the most beautiful experience. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He...

info_outline Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur | Episode 424 show art Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur | Episode 424

Professor Game Podcast

If you’re considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I’m happy to compare options with you: What if your bio was more than a skills list and your job hunt felt like a well-designed game? We explore with our guest Jade Arthur how to gamify the job search for the games industry, creating stories, systems and mindsets that boost confidence, visibility and long-term career engagement. Jade is a language and mindset coach for job seekers in gaming. She helps job seekers take down the villains in their job search like the "Cover Letter Crusher" and the "Interview Assassin."...

info_outline You're Using Streaks Wrong - Here's What Actually Works | Episode 423 show art You're Using Streaks Wrong - Here's What Actually Works | Episode 423

Professor Game Podcast

Exploring useful streaks for your product or org? Let’s chat → Why do streaks motivate users at first but eventually push them away? Rob explores the psychology behind collapses, the dangers of existing habit metrics, and practical ways to redesign streaks so they support, not sabotage, long-term engagement. Perfect for product leads, community builders, and behavior designers. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification...

info_outline Quests, Self-Talk & Health: Glen Lubbert's Stamina Lab Game of Life | Episode 422 show art Quests, Self-Talk & Health: Glen Lubbert's Stamina Lab Game of Life | Episode 422

Professor Game Podcast

Retention or loyalty on your roadmap? Happy to brainstorm → We unpack the “tell the cab driver where to go” strategy, health quests, and the eight magic words that shift self-talk from guilt and shame to possibility and lasting change on this chat with Stamina Lab CEO Glen Lubbert. We discuss how to turn health and well-being into a game you can actually win. Glen is the co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, a health tech company that helps people create lasting well-being—not through willpower, hacks, habits, or fixing themselves—but by building on the inner resources and skills they...

info_outline Stop Shaming Your Users: Ethical Alternatives to Dark Patterns | Episode 421 show art Stop Shaming Your Users: Ethical Alternatives to Dark Patterns | Episode 421

Professor Game Podcast

Exploring behavioral design without shaming? Let’s chat → In this episode, we break down the wild world of “confirm shaming”: manipulative, guilt-driven prompts apps use to push you into saying yes. From hilarious to downright unethical examples, we unpack why these dark patterns harm long-term loyalty and how to use motivation ethically to build real engagement and retention. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has...

info_outline Building Beats Playing: Matt Dalio’s Path | Episode 420 show art Building Beats Playing: Matt Dalio’s Path | Episode 420

Professor Game Podcast

Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 When is failure the first step to real success? In this episode, Matt Dalio, founder of Endless Studios, shares how a dream project collapsed—and sparked a breakthrough. Discover how building games, not just playing them, helps kids master coding, design, and 21st-century skills. From pragmatic lessons on profitability to testing assumptions cheaply, Matt reveals how to turn ambitious visions into lasting, scalable impact. Matt is the founder of Endless, which is fighting for...

info_outline 8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast | Episode 419 show art 8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast | Episode 419

Professor Game Podcast

Aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): Eight years, 420 episodes, and countless insights later: we celebrate the incredible journey of the Professor Game Podcast. From humble beginnings to becoming the #1 gamification podcast in the world, this episode dives into consistency, growth, and what’s next for the Engagers community. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global...

info_outline Design With Audiences: Mister and Mischief’s Playful Guide to Engagement | Episode 418 show art Design With Audiences: Mister and Mischief’s Playful Guide to Engagement | Episode 418

Professor Game Podcast

Build a thriving, loyal community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 From theme parks to zines, Andy & Jeff Crocker reveal how analog thinking powers modern engagement. We explore Infinite Right Answers, designing for collaboration, embracing imperfection over performance, and a field-tested model (confidence + generosity) that boosts motivation, loyalty, and community value. With roots firmly planted in the worlds of theatre and themed entertainment, Mister & Mischief (a.k.a. Jeff and Andy Crocker) create fun-forward journeys beyond the...

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If you’re considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I’m happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat

What if gamification isn’t about rewards at all? James Portnow joins the Professor Game Podcast to explain why intrinsic engagement, thoughtful iteration, and strong design goals matter more than mechanics. From YouTube education to tabletop games, this conversation is packed with insights on building experiences people truly care about.

James Portnow is a Game Designer by trade, who's worked on games ranging from the Call of Duty Series to League of Legends to Farmville. His latest project, Cyberpunk Legends (the official Cyberpunk co-op card game), Kickstarted for over a million dollars, putting it in the top 1% of kickstarters ever created. He is also the creator of one of the most popular YouTube channels on history, Extra History. He's spoken at universities and corporations around the world and at conferences ranging from GDC to PAX to SXSW. He's been quoted in the New York Times and Time Magazine, published by Oxford University Press and has taught at the Masters and Bachelor's level.

Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

 

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