What if your guests couldn’t wait to share their stay with friends — because of a game they played in your hotel? You might not have thought gaming apps and your hospitality brand would go together, but they actually might. Gaming apps aren’t just the territory of tech firms anymore. Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses are stepping into the ring, using interactive games to elevate their guest experiences like never before. Gaming apps foster deeper guest engagement and create imaginative reasons for travelers to keep coming back. If you’re running a hospitality brand and looking to stand out in a crowded market, adding gaming elements tailored to your audience could be your next big move.
What do your guests want when they stay with you? Relaxation? Excitement? An escape from the everyday? Gaming delivers all of this and more. Plus, it taps into a universal human desire we often forget about amid marketing lingo — fun.
Gaming apps tied to a hospitality brand can turn your venue from a place to sleep into an unforgettable experience. Done right, they can enhance your amenities, showcase your destination, and strengthen your connection with your audience. The best part? They’re also fantastic for generating shares on social media and repeat business. Hotels are having a tough time and standing out from competitors at the moment, and securing bookings is getting harder.
But embarking on mobile gaming app development as a hospitality brand is all about knowing your audience. Here are some creative ideas your hospitality business can leverage for various types of guests.
Interactive Games for Families
Families are always looking for ways to keep kids entertained while traveling. Why not create an app that turns your hotel into a virtual treasure hunt?
With augmented reality (AR), you could craft an experience where kids “hunt” for virtual treasures hidden throughout your hotel property. These treasures could unlock fun facts about the location, small prizes, or exclusive discounts for parents.
Customization is key — give families the option to set difficulty levels or focus on specific venues inside your property, like the pool or lobby.
- Why it works: Parents love anything that keeps kids entertained and engaged without relying on streaming endless YouTube videos. Plus, scavenger hunts get families exploring all corners of your hotel, leaving a lasting memory.
If your hospitality venue is located in a historical or cultural destination, create a gaming app that lets young players explore the area’s rich stories. With collectible badges for completing challenges, families can bond as they learn more about their surroundings.
Romantic Getaways Go Gaming
For couples, gaming can enhance the romance and inject a little creativity into their experience.
Develop an app designed for couples that caters to shared experiences. Think romantic challenges like discovering the best sunset spot at your resort, crafting a signature cocktail together at your bar, or snapping secret photos in iconic locations nearby.
- Why it works: It’s a shared experience they’ll talk about and remember. Plus, it encourages dining at your restaurant or exploring your in-house spa through fun, prompts-driven missions.
Introduce a gamified reward system where couples can earn points based on activities they do together at your hotel. This could be anything from trying out your couples’ massage package to attending a wine-tasting event. Unlock exclusive perks or discounts as they accumulate points!
Satisfy Foodies Through Gamified Menus
Got food-loving guests? Then they’re looking for unique culinary experiences — so why not gamify their dining adventures?
Create an app that challenges diners to blind-taste unique dishes or identify mystery ingredients. Offer small rewards for correct answers, such as complimentary drinks or dessert. Include a leaderboard so foodies can compete with other guests.
- Why it works: It adds an extra element of excitement to traditional dining. Foodies will love sharing their unique experience on social channels (free exposure for you!).
Take them behind the scenes by designing a game where guests can help “create” a menu item or cocktail with your chef. Use virtual ingredients to “build” their ideal dish, and select a winner every week. Then, place the winning item on your menu temporarily for others to enjoy—they’ll love seeing their name credited!
Keep Business Travelers Engaged
Business travelers might not have time for elaborate games, but small gamified touches can go a long way to enhance their on-the-go experience.
Create an app offering challenges that help them stay productive while traveling. For example, users could receive points for using your co-working spaces, attending networking events at your property, or sticking to their fitness goals using your gym facilities. Their reward? Free coffees, WiFi upgrades, or discounts on future bookings.
Gamify their workout routine with an app that tracks steps or activity levels while they’re staying with you. Frequent travelers could unlock long-term benefits, like discounted extended-stays or VIP amenities.
Beyond targeting specific types of guests, your gaming app should reflect your brand’s unique flavor. Whether your brand is geared toward luxury, wellness, family fun, or adventure, find a way to weave these elements into the gameplay.
Collaborate with developers to ensure your values shine through. For example, an eco-conscious resort could introduce a sustainability-focused gaming challenge (“Track your green choices as you stay with us!”). Meanwhile, luxury stays might gamify spa packages or private tours.
Integrating gaming apps into your hospitality brand is a bold, forward-looking move that can elevate your guest experience in ways traditional amenities just can’t match. You’re not only adding entertainment, but also giving guests something memorable and deeply personalized.
But gamification is just one piece of the puzzle. To see real results, it needs to be thoughtful, tailored, and aligned with the personality of your brand.
If you’re curious about how you can bring gaming elements into your hospitality business, start small. Map your audience, brainstorm creative scenarios, and begin turning those ideas into virtual experiences that your guests will embrace.
