Video game technology is being leveraged to enhance online consumer spending, with retailers reporting a surge in sales. Software designers at Melbourne-based company Convincely, some of whom have previously worked for gaming giant EA Games, are utilising their skills to create a game-like shopping experience. Data suggests that consumers who engage with this game-like technology on a company's website are four times more likely to make a purchase. This trend emerges as ABS data shows consumer spending on retail has fallen for the fifth time in six quarters.

Companies that have adopted this technology include House.com.au, Alinta Energy, and RAC Western Australia. Convincely's technology assists consumers in building avatars and provides positive reinforcement and rewards. Pratik Doshi, Founder and CEO of Convincely, is available for interviews.

"We're bringing the in-store personalised shopping experience to an online platform using knowledge and techniques from the gaming industry to keep customers engaged and educated about a product without feeling burdened," says Doshi. He believes that when a business can engage and educate a customer, they can help remove choice paralysis and provide a better experience, akin to a game.

"Our software designers (User Interface Designers) come from a gaming background and we encourage them to utilise those same engaging elements to provide positive reinforcement, feedback, hints and tips, rewards, reduce choice paralysis and create a sense of achievement to offer a hyper-personalised experience between a business and their customer online," Doshi explains.

Doshi also points out the increasing dependence of businesses on companies like Meta and Google to find customers, with cost per clicks increasing about 20 percent on average, year on year. He believes businesses need to find a way to set themselves apart in this environment.

"House.com.au is an innovator in their field that is showcasing how utilising new technology to bring exciting shopping experiences can broaden their customer base and optimise sales in the pipeline," Doshi comments. He suggests that just like in a game, people want to be incentivised with discovery elements to keep going.

"Consumers are time poor and want great service. In this climate it's all about connecting people with the right products faster than before," Doshi concludes.