With or Without You: A Comparison of Single and Multi-Player Game-Related Assessments

Abstract

As gamification transforms recruitment processes, understanding how different types of game-related assessments (GRAs) affect candidate experience becomes crucial. This study investigates candidate responses to two distinct GRA formats implemented in a large-scale, real-world recruitment process for international interns in the food and agriculture sector. The first tool, ClusterMind, is a fully automated game-based assessment requiring individual gameplay. The second, The Collectors, is a collaborative game embedded in an online assessment centre format with real-time interaction among candidates and human assessors observing the gameplay. Data were collected from 434 participants across three consecutive years, including survey responses and open-ended feedback. Results reveal that both assessments were rated favourably, with The Collectors receiving significantly higher ratings (M = 8.91, on a scale 1-10) compared to ClusterMind (M = 7.52), despite being perceived as slightly more difficult. Qualitative analysis confirmed that candidates valued the opportunity for social interaction, teamwork, and self-expression. These aspects appeared to mitigate the perceived pressure of being assessed, fostering a more enjoyable and authentic experience. Additionally, comparison with traditional assessment centre organised in the same recruitment project in previous years illustrates the operational benefits of GRA. Fewer organizational resources are needed, less work time, and greater scalability is available. The number of assessors employed in the process dropped from 90 to 32 in the first year of gamification implementation and 27 in each of the following two years. This research expands the literature on GRAs by evaluating not only different game formats but also the broader recruitment experience. It provides practical implications for organisations and game developers. It supports the notion that different GRA types serve different purposes and that the social context of assessment plays a vital role in candidate engagement. More immersive, automated GBA offer greater scalability and cost-effectiveness, while assessment centres with games as assessment tasks may result in even better candidate experience. Findings encourage the use of blended GRA formats that balance automation with human interaction.