I haven’t owned a videogame console since the first Playstation system, so I’m not quite in touch with what’s going on in the industry. I do love dropping in at a friend’s house and playing a little Modern Warfare, but I get called a newb if I ever jump online and try to hang. So I can’t really provide much useful input on how multiplayer gaming can be improved.Social “gaming” on Facebook is a joke. Taking up my news feed with games like Mafia Wars or Farmville on Facebook is one of the quickest ways to get de-friended, or at the very least have your updates hidden from view. Despite the flaws in these other “gaming” platforms, I do see a lot of potential in Foursquare.

The only real prize that seems to be coveted on Foursquare is a Mayorship, and it has the greatest chance of benefiting businesses. Businesses need to get more involved in Foursquare by providing incentive to compete for badges with other rewards once those badges are unlocked. For example, if a user unlocks the Adventurer badge (by visiting their tenth venue) at a certain bar, and if that local business established an “Adventurer’s Special” for customers who earned that badge, both parties benefit. The bar earns some extra business and attention, and the user gets an adventurous drink/dish from the menu at a discount or for free.

Businesses need to look at Foursquare as more than a game. They need to see it as a tool that, through their increased involvement and participation, can drive traffic to their establishment.