Exploring Collaboration in Multiplayer Gamification: A Systematic Literature Review

This article is a systematic literature review that explores aspects of collaboration in the context of gamification in multiplayer gaming environments, highlighting the potential of gamification to increase engagement and intrinsic motivation in various sectors through the application of game elements, and identifying research needs on gamification that support collaboration. The main focus of this literature review is to gain a deep understanding of the concept of gamification, particularly in multiplayer environments that support collaboration between players. To clarify this research, we formulate it into three research questions. RQ1: What are the latest trends in gamification, particularly in a multiplayer context? RQ2: What are the most commonly used methods for developing gamification in multiplayer environments? RQ3: How is gamification used in collaborative aspects of multiplayer environments? A formal protocol was followed to perform an automated search for relevant articles published between January 2018 and October 2023, adopting the Kitchenham method. The result obtained 44 selected articles for further study. Through systematic analysis of the relevant literature, this article identifies domains, technologies, theories, frameworks, models, gamification elements, impacts, and other key findings related to gamification that support collaboration aspects in multiplayer environments. The findings of this review are expected to provide a solid knowledge base for further research in developing more effective and engaging gamification strategies to foster collaboration between players.