Context: While most research shows positive effects of gamification, the focus on its adverse effects is considerably smaller and further understanding is needed. Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview on research reporting negative effects of game design elements and to provide insights into the awareness of developers on these effects and into how they could be considered in practice. Method: We conducted a systematic mapping study of the negative effects of game design elements on education/learning systems. We also held a focus group discussion with developers of a gamified software, discussing the mapping study results with regard to their awareness and perceptions on the reported negative effects in practice. Results: The mapping study revealed 87 papers reporting undesired effects of game design elements. We found that badges, leaderboards, competitions, and points are the game design elements most often reported as causing negative effects. The most cited negative effects were lack of effect, worsened performance, motivational issues, lack of understanding, and irrelevance. The ethical issues of gaming the system and cheating were also often reported. As part of our results, we map the relations between game design elements and the negative effects that they may cause. The focus group revealed that developers were not aware of many of the possible negative effects and that they consider this type of information useful. The discussion revealed their agreement on some of those potential negative effects and also some positive counterparts. Conclusions: Gamification, when properly applied, can have positive effects on education/learning software. However, gamified software is also prone to generate harmful effects. Revealing and discussing potentially negative effects can help to make more informed decisions considering their trade-off with respect to the expected benefits.

翻译：语境：尽管多数研究显示游戏化具有积极效应，但对其负面影响的关注显著不足，仍需深入理解。目标：全面梳理游戏设计元素负面影响的研究成果，揭示开发者对这些影响的认知程度及实践中的应对方式。方法：通过系统性映射研究，分析游戏设计元素对教育/学习系统的负面影响。同时组织游戏化软件开发者的焦点小组讨论，结合映射研究结果探讨其对实践中负面效应的认知与看法。结果：映射研究发现87篇论文报告了游戏设计元素的不良效应。徽章、排行榜、竞争机制和积分是最常被提及引发负面效应的游戏元素。最常见的负面影响包括：缺乏效果、表现下降、动机问题、理解障碍及无关性。系统作弊等伦理问题也频繁被报道。我们绘制了游戏设计元素与其可能引发的负面效应之间的关联图谱。焦点小组讨论显示，开发者对多数潜在负面影响缺乏认知，并认为此类信息具有实用价值。讨论既证实了部分负面效应的存在，也发现了积极反馈。结论：合理应用游戏化能对教育/学习软件产生积极影响，但游戏化软件同样易引发有害效应。揭示并探讨潜在负面影响，有助于在权衡收益与风险时做出更明智的决策。