Healthcare Gamification Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Exercise Game, Serious Game, Casual Game), By Application (Education, Pharmaceutical Sales Training), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The global healthcare gamification market size was estimated at USD 4.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 23.0% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing incidence rate of lifestyle-related and chronic diseases is expected to drive the demand for better health management by patients and healthcare providers.

In addition, the rising adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration worldwide are driving the demand for healthcare gamification. According to Groupe Speciale Mobile Association, the total number of mobile subscribers is expected to rise to 5.7 billion by 2025, and internet penetration will increase by 60% around the globe.

Healthcare gamification shows a wide range of applications in managing chronic diseases. Gamification can motivate patients to administer medication as prescribed by the physician. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report published by the CDC, over 35 million people had diabetes in 2022. According to WHO, the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases is anticipated to increase from 39% in 2008 to 51% by 2030. Chronic illnesses are responsible for over 85% of the total deaths in the U.S. Hence, the increasing prevalence of disorders such as diabetes and obesity is likely to drive the need for gamification.

With the rise of smartphones, wearable devices, and cloud computing, healthcare providers can now leverage digital tools to offer more personalized and interactive patient care. These technologies allow patients to track and manage their health in real time, receiving instant feedback and rewards through gamified health apps. According to an article published in August 2023, Apple integrated gamification into its Fitness apps, making fitness engaging and enjoyable. By including features like goal-setting, achievements, challenges, competitions, activity rings, streaks, rewards, incentives, and personalized feedback, Apple Fitness turns exercise into a fun and interactive experience.

Moreover, advancements in connectivity, such as 5G networks and the widespread availability of high-speed internet, have allowed for seamless communication between patients, healthcare providers, and digital health applications. This connectivity enables remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and the delivery of real-time health data, enhancing patient engagement. Telemedicine platforms and mobile health apps incorporate gamified elements, such as rewards and progress tracking, to encourage adherence to treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. These digital technologies and connectivity advancements enable healthcare gamification solutions to reach a broader audience and provide more effective, personalized care.

The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the global market pertaining to the increased penetration of digital health solutions. The pandemic led to a surge in demand for healthcare apps for at-home use. Healthcare providers and patients have turned to technology to stay connected and engage remotely. COVID-19 affected people's mental health, thereby increasing the need for healthcare mobile applications to manage psychological and physical health at home. Healthcare gamification has emerged as an effective way to address this issue. Healthcare apps have wide applications in promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and other therapeutic activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

According to a journal published in November 2024, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly boosted the market as digital health apps and remote tools became essential. With in-person services limited, gamified platforms helped users manage fitness, chronic conditions, and mental health. Increased smartphone use and internet access fueled this trend, positioning gamification as a lasting, patient-focused solution.

Case Studies & Insights

Case study: Emerging trends in gamification for clinical reasoning education

Background:

This study, published in March 2025, explores how clinical reasoning is critical in healthcare education and essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management. Traditional teaching methods fail to fully engage learners or replicate the complexity of real-world clinical decision-making. Gamification's use of game design elements in educational contexts has emerged as a promising approach to enhance learner motivation, engagement, and knowledge retention. This scoping review aims to map existing research on gamification techniques applied to clinical reasoning education, identify trends, gaps, and theoretical frameworks, and provide guidance for future educational strategies.

Challenges:

• Heterogeneous Designs: Varied gamification formats (including serious games and escape rooms) led to inconsistent outcomes. While 45.3% used serious games, others employed escape rooms (13.2%) or board games (7.5%), complicating comparison.

• Theoretical Gaps: Only 11.3% of studies integrated cognitive theories (such as Dual-Process Theory) critical for clinical reasoning, relying instead on game-based learning (34%) or constructivist frameworks (13.2%).

• Limited Longitudinal Evidence: Most studies were cross-sectional (28.3%) or pilot projects (22.6%), lacking long-term impact assessments.

• Narrow Disciplinary Focus: Research underrepresented fields like dentistry, rehabilitation, and interprofessional education.

• Resource Intensity: High costs and time investments for developing gamified tools were recurrent barriers.

Methods:

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Arksey & O’Malley framework for scoping reviews. Systematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2014 and 2023 that applied gamification to clinical reasoning education across healthcare professions. Two independent reviewers screened and selected studies, extracting data using a predefined tool. Both quantitative summaries and qualitative thematic analyses were performed. A consultation exercise with experts enriched the interpretation of findings.

Solution:

• Integrate Cognitive Theories: Align gamification design with clinical reasoning frameworks to address diagnostic thinking and cognitive load.

• Standardize Reporting: Adopt frameworks like GAMER to harmonize design and evaluation metrics.

• Expand Interprofessional Scope: Develop gamified tools for collaborative training across healthcare disciplines.

• Leverage Emerging Technologies: Use AI-driven adaptive platforms (e.g., personalized case simulations) and immersive VR/AR for realistic scenarios.

• Conduct Rigorous Trials: Prioritize longitudinal studies with validated clinical reasoning assessments.

Results:

• Educational Settings: Gamification was most applied in university settings (37.7%), followed by clinical/hospital environments (18.9%) and digital platforms (17%).

• Gamification Techniques:

  • Serious games (45.3%): High-fidelity simulations (including EMERGE) and case-based games (such as MedSMART).

  • Escape rooms (13.2%): Team-based puzzles in themed clinical scenarios.

  • Branching narratives (5.7%): Decision-driven case studies with dynamic outcomes.

• Theoretical Foundations: While 88.7% referenced at least one framework, only 11.3% incorporated cognitive theories.

• Outcomes: Gamification improved short-term engagement and knowledge retention but lacked evidence for long-term clinical reasoning competence.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The degree of innovation in the market is high, driven by the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning. Companies are developing interactive applications that utilize game mechanics to enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. For instance, apps such as MySugr turn diabetes management into a game, encouraging users to log their data through fun challenges and significantly improving user compliance.

The market's merger and acquisition activities are medium. Strategic moves enable companies to combine expertise and technologies, driving innovation and expanding their reach in delivering gamified health solutions that improve patient outcomes and engagement. For instance, in January 2021, Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, by combining Fitbit’s extensive wearable health data and gamified fitness tracking features with Google’s AI and ecosystem capabilities, the partnership enhances personalized health insights, real-time coaching, and social challenges that motivate users through gamification.

Regulatory impact on the healthcare gamification industry is medium. Compliance with health regulations such as HIPAA in the U.S. influences how companies design their gamified solutions. For instance, organizations ensure that data privacy measures are integrated into their platforms while providing engaging user experiences, balancing innovation with regulatory requirements.

Regional expansion in the market is high, particularly in regions such as North America and the Asia Pacific. North America leads due to its advanced digital health infrastructure and significant investments in health tech startups. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a focus on improving patient engagement, with countries including China and India investing heavily in digital health solutions.

Type Insights

The exercise game segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 46.17% in 2024 and is expected to grow fastest for the forecast period. This segment leverages engaging gameplay to motivate users towards physical activity, enhancing adherence to fitness regimens. Key drivers include technological advancements in mobile applications and wearables, which provide real-time feedback and social connectivity. For instance, Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure combines gaming with physical exercise, enhancing motivation and user engagement in regular physical activity.

Casual game is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period, owing to their user-friendly interface and effectiveness in despair and trauma therapy in adults. Moreover, these games are also used among children to lower depression, anxiety, and stress through individually designed gamification modules. According to a study published by MDPI, virtual games exhibited improvements and reduced preoperative anxiety during anesthetic induction in pediatric patients.

Application Insights

The education and training of physicians accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by the growing need for interactive, practical, and accessible learning tools. According to an article published in 2025, several educators recognized the benefits of using gamification in medical education, with 85% agreeing that it enhances student engagement and 78% believing it helps improve knowledge retention. Gamified medical education platforms use simulations, serious games, and virtual reality to improve clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and decision-making. For instance, Body Interact allows medical students and professionals to interact with virtual patients in real time, making diagnostic and treatment decisions in a risk-free environment. These tools increase engagement and knowledge retention and offer scalability and convenience, which are helpful for continuous professional development and remote learning environments.

Gamification in the clinical trials segment is anticipated to grow fastest over the forecast period, driven by its ability to increase participant engagement, retention, and data accuracy. Traditional clinical trials face challenges such as low patient adherence and dropout rates, which gamification helps address through interactive elements like progress tracking, rewards, and real-time feedback. According to an article by Lindus Health published in 2023, gamification enhances pediatric clinical trials by improving patient engagement, adherence, and overall trial outcomes. The article emphasized that incorporating game-like features such as competition, rewards, and immersive experiences enhances pediatric clinical trials, reducing anxiety and boosting participation. It highlighted the role of collaboration and digital innovation in transforming pediatric research.

End Use Insights

The enterprise-based segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 due to its ability to enhance employee engagement, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs through tailored wellness programs. Key drivers include the increasing focus on preventive care, rising healthcare costs, and the demand for innovative solutions to boost productivity. This segment’s growth is further fueled by technological advancements and data analytics that facilitate personalized health interventions.

The consumer-based segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the widespread use of mobile health apps, which offer advanced monitoring features like heart rate, oxygen levels, exercise modules, and various incentives. Fitbit, Inc. provides a range of fitness and health solutions, including the Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Luxe, Gorjana, Fitbit Charge 4, and Fitbit Inspire 2. These devices enable continuous monitoring of patients' vital signs, making them popular among consumers.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global healthcare gamification market and accounted for the largest share of 41.67% in 2024. Market growth in this region is driven by greater smartphone accessibility, increased internet penetration, and the inclusion of gamification features such as medication reminders, exercise modules, and telehealth appointments in applications. Market players are increasing growth through strategic efforts such as launching new products and forming partnerships.

U.S. Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The healthcare gamification market in the U.S. increasingly emphasizes integrating gamification into chronic disease management programs. Healthcare providers are leveraging gamified solutions to promote lifestyle changes among patients with diabetes and obesity. By incorporating elements such as point systems and leaderboards, these programs aim to facilitate competition and community support, which can lead to better health outcomes.

Canada healthcare gamification market focuses on chronic disease management and promoting active lifestyles. Digital health platforms are increasingly used to help Canadians manage obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Programs that integrate gamified challenges and social features encourage physical activity. Canadians use fitness apps that reward users for meeting health goals, reflecting a solid trend toward preventative care and wellness.

Asia Pacific Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The healthcare gamification market in Asia Pacific is driven by the increasing adoption of digital health solutions and a focus on enhancing patient engagement. This region's companies invest in research and development to improve their customers' healthcare solutions. For instance, in August 2019, Astellas, a pharmaceutical company, partnered with the Tokyo University of the Arts and Yokohama City University to create and launch innovative, gamified virtual healthcare solutions.

China healthcare gamification market is driven by government initiatives to improve public health outcomes. The Chinese government launched several digital health campaigns that utilize gamified platforms to encourage physical activity among citizens. Chinese consumers are open to using gamified solutions for health tracking, reflecting a shift towards interactive and engaging healthcare experiences that improve adherence to treatment plans.

The healthcare gamification market in India is being embraced to improve health literacy and manage chronic diseases. With rising health concerns, especially diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, apps that use gamified features are helping people monitor their health and stay engaged in treatment plans. Significant factors include the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases and an emphasis on affordable healthcare solutions.

Europe Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The healthcare gamification market in Europe is growing, particularly in rehabilitation and chronic disease management. A significant trend is the adoption of gamified solutions for stroke recovery, with European rehabilitation centers incorporating virtual reality and interactive games to improve patient engagement. The EU's focus on digital health has driven the development of gamified platforms that integrate with electronic health records, enhancing personalized treatment plans for patients.

Latin America Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The healthcare gamification market in Latin America is emerging as a tool for tackling public health challenges, especially in fitness and prevention. Socially engaged platforms incorporating rewards and community challenges are also gaining popularity, encouraging healthier lifestyles and greater participation in regional wellness programs.

Middle East & Africa Healthcare Gamification Market Trends

The healthcare gamification market in the Middle East & Africa is increasingly used in preventive care and chronic disease management. In the UAE, there’s a rise in mobile health applications that use game mechanics to motivate users to adopt healthier habits. In Africa, mobile-based health apps are being used to track and encourage adherence to HIV/AIDS treatments, particularly in remote areas.

Key Healthcare Gamification Insights

Key companies increasingly focus on strategic partnerships with technology providers and product development. For instance, in February 2021, Evolv partnered with Microsoft and ZOTAC to introduce RehabKits to hospitals in London and New York, enabling telerehabilitation. The RehabKit system connects to a television, allowing virtual therapy sessions, while therapists can prescribe exercise games to track patient adherence and performance remotely.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Ginkgo Health, an AI-driven healthcare technology solutions provider, launched Ginkgo Active—an all-inclusive app designed to promote holistic wellness through tailored exercise plans.

"When we set out to develop our exercise prescription software, we recognized that it's like a two-engine plane—one engine being the exercise plan itself, and the other engine being the behavior support plan. To achieve lasting health benefits, it's not enough to engage people in healthy behaviors for just one day or a short period. Our goal is to inspire lifelong engagement, helping individuals integrate fitness and wellness into their daily lives for long-term transformation."

- Maggie Deng, founder and CEO of Ginkgo Health

• In October 2022, Fitbit partnered with behavioral analytics company Pretaa to improve outcomes for the millions of Americans struggling with substance misuse.

• In August 2022, Akili completed its merger with Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I. Akili, Inc. is set to start trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the new ticker symbol "AKLI".

Healthcare Gamification Market Report Scope

Global Healthcare Gamification Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global healthcare gamification market report based on type, application, end use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Exercise Game

  • Serious Game

  • Casual Game

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Education/Training of Physicians

  • Education/Training of Hospital Staff

  • Commercial Gains for Patients

  • Pharmaceutical Sales Training

  • Insurance companies using Gamification

  • Gamification in Clinical Trials

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Enterprise Based

  • Consumer Based

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Denmark

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait