Gamification is one of the hottest trends in business right now. The idea is to repackage a traditional experience with a gaming-centric approach, whether adding a dash of competition or creating a quest-like journey for users. Companies from Chanel to KFC are getting in on the action, providing brand-new experiences for customers.

But before gamification was focused on loyalty programs, one of the primary applications was to educate users. Language acquisition apps like DuoLingo highlight just how effective games can be for students learning a new skill set. But what about when it comes to traditional games and apps—are there titles that can help promote learning without going full-keel into educational territory?

As it happens, finance professionals have tons of options when it comes to having a bit of fun and keeping their brains conditioned to function at a high capacity. If you’re looking for a bit of downtime that also involves mind-sharpening topics, then consider one of the titles or apps listed below.

 

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games, available at virtual and traditional casinos alike. The game stands out compared to others like poker and roulette—and that’s because players are able to make highly informed decisions at each turn thanks to probabilities.

In other words, players are able to track the game’s movement and estimate with a higher degree of certainty which cards might appear next. Toss in other factors, which include elements like blackjack insurance, and there are even more factors to weigh during each round. This ability to juggle different factors is a pivotal part of success for many finance gurus—and a skill that always needs sharpening up.

 

Fortune City

This budget-tracking app might not sound too different from others on the market. However, rather than add elements of gaming into the app, developers decided to create a game first and a budget tracker second. To record their expenses and manage their budgets, players don’t view graphs or charts. Instead, they build and manage properties in a virtual town.

This literally allows them to view their finances as a landscape. The goal is to create a balanced town that is able to thrive—but only if they manage their funds wisely.

 

AML App

Finance professionals are often tasked with earning new certificates—including the dreaded AML certification. However, one of the most groundbreaking new apps in the finance space is a game that allows players to earn their certificate through playing.

AML App takes players through a variety of real-world scenarios, where they’re tasked with learning how to respond to each. Only players who select the ‘correct’ option will advance toward their certificate.

 

Football Manager

Let’s move back into more traditional gaming territory. Just like blackjack, sports management simulations have been around for a while. And they’re popular with right-brained, finance professionals for a reason: they’re all about juggling resources and making sound financial decisions.

Though players must also know a bit about the game (whether football or another sport) to succeed, it’s their financial literacy that will take their team to the next level or see them face issues off the field. In fact, financial wellness within Football Manager is so important that there are entire blogs and publications dedicated to teaching newcomers (with no background in finance) how to manage their teams.

 

eToro

Many in the finance sector are well aware of eToro. This app was one of the first to put the power in the user’s hand, allowing anyone to download it and then start trading and investing. Thanks to regulations, the app hasn’t faced too many issues since it was first launched back in 2007.

So, what makes this app stand out—especially for a finance professional who may spend their days trading and investing? The answer is social features. The game includes a feed that lets players interact with one another, asking questions, trading literal trading strategies, and more. There’s also a feature that lets users mimic what successful traders are doing—which is certainly one way to stay up-to-date on the frontlines of trading strategies.