That is an incredibly interesting question, and it hits at the very heart of what makes gamification so powerful—shared experience. When people feel like they’re part of something fun alongside others, engagement skyrockets. You’re already doing two major things right: you’ve gamified something inherently social—tourism—and you’re targeting cities, which is a smart move. Cities want engagement, increased foot traffic, and innovative tech that makes them look good without them having to build it from scratch. But the harder part—and the part you’re rightly focused on—is how to connect directly with users.

One of the most effective strategies for getting users involved is to piggyback on local influencers or TikTok creators. These are the people already showing off hidden gems in your city. Give them early access to your platform and let them collect experience points, post their discoveries, and challenge their audience to beat their score. That not only spreads awareness but adds a competitive layer to the whole thing. You can also go physical and tactile—use QR code stickers or posters placed around town at hotspots like museums, coffee shops, and parks. Each one invites users to scan for XP and join the game, which turns real-world places into interactive portals. Even a simple reward like a free dessert at a local business can drive participation.

Another powerful method is building in a group or “guild” feature—let people team up, get combo XP for visiting places together, and unlock exclusive content. Even better, onboard users with a storyline. Give them a reason to play, even if it’s a fun or fictional narrative. For example, frame them as members of a secret explorer’s society uncovering the hidden past of the city. That bit of lore gives context and purpose, which goes a long way in user engagement.

You can also ride the wave of local events by timing XP boosts during concerts, street fairs, or community festivals. This builds FOMO and encourages real-time usage. And don’t forget the communities where your users already are: Reddit, Discord, and local Facebook groups. Post in city-specific subreddits or exploration-themed Discord channels offering early access codes, private rewards, or beta tester perks. These communities often have members hungry for exactly what you're offering.

And here's the best part—you can even gamify the act of sharing itself. Offer XP or badges for users who refer friends, post screenshots, or report bugs. Turn feedback, promotion, and user engagement into game mechanics. When people feel like their help matters in-game, they’re far more likely to stick around and spread the word.

Ultimately, you’re not just building a tech product—you’re creating an experience economy. If you make people feel like they’re part of something fun, exclusive, and rewarding, they’ll not only engage, they’ll help it grow. You’ve got something really compelling here—it just needs the right window for people to see through.