Remember Foursquare Is A Game

Earlier today I read an article titled Facebook Is Working On A Foursquare-Killer.  Prior to this article we are read about how Yelp had introduces a location check-in feature.  Both article mentioned how they may have an advantage over Foursquare due to there large (or giant, in Facebook’s case) existing community.  But one thing left out of these articles and features, is the game aspect of Foursquare.

That’s right…Foursquare is a game.  It seems everyone keeps forgetting about this.  Sure being able to check-in with your friends and fine where they are is great, but I want badges.  I want points and mayorships.  Foursquare allows you to be involved in an ongoing game, anywhere you go.  I like to unlock new badges.  I get excited when I unseat someone as the mayor of a particular location.  Sometimes I even go out on a mission to find new places to help me unlock badges, and I know others who do the same.  Think about that.  I go to particular places because I’m playing a game.  Throw in incentives at locations through partnerships and its much more fun than simply checking in at a location.

It’s not just the community; it’s how you interact with that community.  Foursquare provides way for businesses to engage consumers and friends to interact with friends beyond a simple “Hey I’m here.”  That’s fun.  That’s important.

This leads to a few questions.  Will the sheer size of a community triumph over the game aspect?  Will Facebok, Yelp, and others add a game component to their check-ins?  Will a larger company acquire Foursquare?  For now I’m playing Foursquare, what about you?