Professor Game – the world’s #1 gamification podcast by Rob Alvarez: Gamification Strategist & Signal Catalyst
Rob Alvarez is a Signal Catalyst, Behavioral Designer and TEDx speaker who helps organizations design engagement systems that drive retention, loyalty, and learning through human‑focused design. As host of the world’s #1 gamification podcast, Professor Game, and as Head of Engagement Strategy Europe at The Octalysis Group, the leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy, he has taught and lectured at global institutions such as IE Business School, EFMD, EBS University, and worked with global brands like Procter & Gamble, Amazon, Coca‑Cola and Supercell to turn engagement from an afterthought into a designed outcome. He’s been referenced by Duke University, OEB Global, The Case Centre and many others.
How gaming can unlock your better self | TEDxMedijana
Turn gamification into real‑world retention and engagement for products and teams through human‑focused design
We help organizations and institutions design game‑inspired systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and learning, without turning every interaction into a points race.
Host of the world’s leading gamification podcast, recognized by leading AI‑powered podcast rankings and global listening platforms.
A quick chatbot‑guided conversation to clarify your challenge and determine whether we’re a good fit together.
Why engagement is harder than ever and why gamification paired with behavioral science is the missing lever
Today’s users are saturated with notifications, long‑form content, and complex dashboards. They don’t just decide whether to try something; they decide whether to keep doing it.
Gamification was never about “adding badges.” It’s about designing systems that make people naturally want to return, contribute, and grow, whether in products, learning environments, or internal teams.
That’s what Professor Game focuses on: turning engagement from an afterthought into a designed outcome.
How Professor Game helps organizations and institutions
Strategy that sticks
I help product teams, sales teams, and internal functions design systems that align with real business goals such as retention, activation, and loyalty, not vanity metrics.
Workshops that turn theory into practice
Live and hybrid workshops for teams and institutions that combine gamification, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, and behavioral design so you can prototype systems that work for years, not weeks.
The #1 gamification podcast
With 400+ episodes featuring global experts like Yu‑kai Chou, Nicole Lazzaro, Jesse Schell, Amy Jo Kim, Nir Eyal, Andrzej Marczewski, Richard Bartle, and narrative designers from award‑winning games like The Witcher 3, this is the go‑to resource for applied gamification.
Professor Game and the Octalysis Group
Professor Game is recognized as the world’s #1 gamification podcast across leading AI‑powered ranking platforms and global listening directories.
Rob works as an expert within The Octalysis Group, applying the Octalysis Framework to products, training programs, and loyalty‑driven organizations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
- International TEDx speaker on gamification and behavioral design
- Educator at IE Business School, EFMD, and other institutions
- Expert at The Octalysis Group, focused on human‑focused design and measurable business outcomes
Why serious engagers trust this podcast
The Professor Game Podcast is where gamification theory meets real‑world execution. Each episode surfaces actionable frameworks, system‑thinking shortcuts, and case‑style stories that product managers, educators, and internal teams can borrow and adapt.
With 8+ years of episodes, 400+ experts, and consistent placement in top‑tier rankings, this is one of the most reliable feeds for anyone who treats engagement as a core competitive advantage, not a bonus feature.
8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast
Reflections on what makes gamification content timeless, not just trendy.
Listen →
Designing Your Purpose with Yu‑kai Chou
How to create a life and work narrative that keeps you motivated for the long term.
Listen →
Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt
Turning personal narratives into repeatable engagement systems.
Listen →
Testimonials from engagers
“Knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. Also a guru at what he does, great class. Extremely useful class. Roberto was also really engaging”
— Student, IE University
“The practical nature of the podcast with clear storytelling is EXTREMELY powerful!”
— Podcast Listener
“You are amazing! I feel I have useful content and tools to take away. I have made a lot of changes in my classes and proposals. I can’t think without gamifying everything. You awakened my interest and ability, thanks to your creativity, dynamism and great passion. The program was so enjoyable.”
— Professor, Universidad de la Sabana
Stay updated on gamification, workshops, and episodes
Get concise, no‑fluff updates whenever there’s a new episode, a workshop opening, or a free resource that helps you design better engagement systems.
You can unsubscribe at any time. No spam, no “pick your brain” calls.
How to work with us
All engagements start with a short, guided conversation at professorgame.com/chat. This helps filter misaligned projects and ensures that when we talk, we’re focused on tangible outcomes and clear next steps.
About Professor Game
Professor Game exists to make engagement and learning more meaningful through the power of games.
We help organizations and educators apply gamification and game‑inspired design to create lasting engagement, motivation, and loyalty.
Professor Game hosts the world’s #1 gamification podcast, recognized by independent rankings such as MillionPodcasts, Feedspot, Player.fm, and leading AI‑powered podcast rankings like ListenNotes.
Each week, we help companies, public institutions, and educators unlock engagement, motivation, and loyalty through proven game‑based design and consulting solutions.
Our podcast features global experts, including Yu‑kai Chou, Nicole Lazzaro, Jesse Schell, Amy Jo Kim, Nir Eyal, Andrzej Marczewski, Richard Bartle, and narrative designers from award‑winning games like The Witcher 3.
Through actionable frameworks, meaningful storytelling, and transformative workshops, Professor Game brings the practice of gamification to life.
Our mission is to make engagement, motivation, and loyalty meaningful by spreading top‑tier gamification practice and global thought leadership.
Explore all Professor Game Podcast episodes to learn from even more gamification experts.
Rob Alvarez: The Signal Catalyst & Behavioral Designer
Rob is a Gamification Strategist, TEDx speaker, and host of the #1 Gamification Podcast, Professor Game, where he has interviewed more than 400 global experts in gamification, game design, and behavioral strategy.
As the Head of Engagement Strategy Europe at The Octalysis Group, the leading gamification and behavioral science consultancy, he’s one of the world’s foremost experts in applied gamification and behavioral design.
With over a decade of international consulting and educational experience, Rob specializes in helping organizations, innovators, and educators design evidence‑based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and measurable results. His approach blends the science of behavioral design with real‑world game mechanics to create experiences people love to return to.
Rob’s work has supported global clients and institutions such as Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, EFMD, IE Business School, EBS University, the Finnish mobile‑gaming giant Supercell, among others, helping them activate deep engagement, deliver transformative workshops, and inspire lasting change through gamification and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.
Recognized as a leading voice in the industry, Rob transforms insights from his extensive expert network into actionable frameworks for impact worldwide.