Gametech in investment: delineating between bright and dark sides of gamification
The Bank of Russia proposes to discuss the integration of game techniques and elements into mobile applications of financial market participants, assess risks, and determine the prospects of gamification development to the benefit of retail investors.
Lately, banks, brokers, and financial marketplaces have been using various game techniques to win customers.
According to the consultation paper, the initial purpose of such techniques was to help people master complex investment products faster, develop useful habits (e.g. making regular savings), or simply make routine operations more engaging. However, games do not always meet consumer demands, as excessive marketing campaigns, competitions, and raffles distract users from investment activities. Furthermore, getting engrossed in a game may entail financial losses. Sometimes, to become eligible for virtual bonuses, a user needs to buy company shares, pass a test to be able to purchase high-risk instruments, deposit a certain amount in a brokerage account, etc.
The Bank of Russia’s consultation paper focuses specifically on the dark patterns, i.e. techniques that have a hidden effect on customers, nudging them towards excessive trading activities and decision making that is at odds with their financial goals and risk appetite. The document features a questionnaire for market participants to complete to help the regulator understand what gamification requirements it should set and what measures it should take in order to protect investors from various types of nudging and unfair practices.
The Bank of Russia welcomes answers to the questions raised by the consultation paper as well as comments and suggestions through 31 August 2026.