The "Badge" Problem
Most apps think gamification means "give the user a gold star when they press a button". This is called Pointsification, and it's boring. Our brains are too smart for that. We lose interest after 3 days.
True Game Design Requires 3 Things
1. Risk and Reward (The Stakes)
A game without a "Game Over" isn't exciting. In MainQuest, if you don't do your dailies, you lose HP. You can de-level. The stakes make the victory feel earned.
2. Visual Progression (The Avatar)
A number going up (Level 5 -> Level 6) is abstract. Seeing your avatar equip shiny Dragon Armor is concrete. MainQuest visualizes your success.
3. Mechanics Deep Enough to Master
Bad apps are shallow. MainQuest has deep systems: Stat builds, Item synergies, Boss strategies. It's a game you can actually "get good" at playing.
Play a Real Game
Don't settle for a to-do list with a progress bar.