The library

Systems

A system is the loop, not the parts. A system map shows how one app's mechanics connect and feed each other: the streak that protects a reward, the reward that pulls the next session. Each map is drawn in our house language, nodes for mechanics and red lines for the connections that carry the most weight.

16 system mapsUpdated weekly
AppFor subscribers

Calm

A wellness app that builds five daily return reasons from a single free check-in suite.

Daily Login RewardStreak / Streak BonusGifting
3 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Canva

A design platform where the achievement system distributes verifiable credentials designed for LinkedIn.

Achievements / MilestonesChallengesCredits / Tokens
3 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFor subscribers

Capybara Go!

A layered progression system where every session adds to multiple tracks simultaneously.

Energy / LivesVariable Reward ScheduleXP / LevelingAdsDaily / Weekly QuestsFirst-Purchase BonusClans / GuildsCosmeticsLeaderboards
9 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFor subscribers

Chrome Valley Customs

A puzzle game where every match-3 coin is immediately converted into a named change on a 3D car the player is authoring.

Energy / LivesVariable Reward ScheduleLimited-Time Events
3 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFor subscribers

Clash of Clans

A base-building game where Town Hall level is the gate to every other mechanic in the game.

Clans / GuildsAchievements / MilestonesLeaderboardsLimited-Time EventsDaily / Weekly QuestsVariable Reward ScheduleXP / LevelingCosmetics
8 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFor subscribers

FC Mobile

A monetisation system where the revenue mechanics are also the retention mechanics.

Daily / Weekly QuestsSeason Pass / Battle PassMonthly CardLeaderboardsClans / GuildsLimited-Time EventsFirst-Purchase Bonus
7 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

FIFA Panini Collection

A digital collectible system where the physical world is an integral acquisition channel.

Set Collection / CompletionDaily Login RewardChallengesAchievements / MilestonesClans / Guilds
5 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

FitOn

A fitness platform that front-loads its community identity before the user has done a single workout.

Community / GroupsAchievements / MilestonesSocial FeedStreak / Streak Bonus
4 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Fortune City

A budgeting app where the gamification is entirely free and the actual financial tools are behind the paywall.

Achievements / MilestonesAdsDaily / Weekly QuestsDaily Login RewardSet Collection / Completion
5 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Freeletics

A fitness coaching app that runs its lowest price past the user three times before the first workout.

ChallengesSocial FeedLeaderboardsAchievements / Milestones
4 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Gymverse

A gym planning app where the paywall is a soft suggestion and the streak protection mechanic is unavailable when it would be most useful.

Daily / Weekly QuestsStreak / Streak BonusAchievements / Milestones
3 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Insight Timer

A wellness system that uses behavioral science arguments to earn the commitment it then mechanizes.

Streak / Streak BonusAchievements / MilestonesChallengesSocial FeedCommunity / Groups
5 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Ladder

A fitness app where the coaching team is the product, not the workout library.

Streak / Streak BonusChallengesCommunity / GroupsAchievements / MilestonesSocial FeedGifting
6 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
AppFor subscribers

Liftoff

A strength training app where every muscle group has its own rank, and every logged set advances it.

XP / LevelingLeaderboardsDaily / Weekly QuestsCredits / TokensCosmetics
5 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFor subscribers

Match Creek Motors

A puzzle game where the episode ends with a buyer negotiation instead of a reveal cinematic, making the player an active participant in the sale.

Energy / LivesVariable Reward ScheduleAchievements / MilestonesLeaderboards
4 mechanics linkedSubscribe to read
GameFree

Royal Match

A casual system where the social mechanic surfaces exactly when the core friction becomes painful.

Energy / LivesGiftingLimited-Time EventsClans / GuildsSet Collection / CompletionSeason Pass / Battle PassVariable Reward Schedule
7 mechanics linkedExplore the map