A Gamification Model for Community-Based Heritage Work: The Cases from Slovakia

Gamification, defined as applying game elements to non-game contexts, has proven to be an effective tool for increasing public engagement and motivation. In the context of cultural heritage preservation, it helps maintain and popularise historical and cultural sites, contributing to their sustainability. This paper focuses on practical examples of gamification projects implemented in the Slovak cities of Handlová, Revúca, and Bratislava, showcasing various approaches to engaging communities in heritage protection. It is the outcome of the project “A Gamification Model for Community-Based Heritage Work”, which promotes community and civic engagement in sparsely populated areas and provides a framework with tools for gamification in community-focused work1 . The analysed examples demonstrate how gamification strategies can enhance community involvement, motivate diverse target groups, and contribute to the sustainable development of local cultural heritage.