GameChanger Esma Gulten (Founder and CEO @Gizil)
To understand the diversity of gamification, you have to think outside the box. We let experts from different industries and areas have their say in a short interview and get an insight how they adapt ways of thinking, methods and technologies from the gaming industry in their company or area in order to be more successful - real GameChangers!
The views and opinions expressed by the interviewee in this interview do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Fusion Campus.
My name is Esma Gulten, Founder and CEO of Gizil, a company focused on digital transformation for asset-heavy industries such as chemical, energy, and storage terminals. My role involves leading the development of Virtual Plant (VP)—a digital platform enabling efficient engineering, operations, and maintenance through as-built 3D environments. I’m passionate about bridging technology and industrial expertise to enable smarter, safer, and more sustainable plants.
Primarily in workforce training and safety preparation. The industry is experiencing a demographic shift, with many experienced professionals retiring and a new generation entering the workforce. These younger professionals are more familiar with digital tools and game-based learning. Using VP, we aim to offer immersive training scenarios for tasks like maintenance planning, hazard recognition, and emergency response, all within a gamified, risk-free digital twin environment.
Gaming will become an essential part of industrial learning and simulation, especially in high-risk, high-cost environments. It will help businesses train faster, retain knowledge better, and improve safety outcomes. I foresee serious games evolving into standard tools for compliance training, process optimization, and even remote collaboration in engineering and operations. The fusion of game-tech and industrial software will drive faster digital adoption and resilience in asset-heavy sectors.
Our journey into gamification began while developing training modules within VP. We realized that our 3D environment built from laser-scanned data could offer more than just visualization—it could simulate real-world scenarios for operator training. This is where we integrated serious game elements to enhance user engagement, knowledge retention, and hands-on learning without the risks of physical training in complex industrial environments.
Finally, a few short, personal questions:
Recently, I explored simulation-based puzzle games and strategy games that mirror real-world problem solving—very inspiring for our work with VP.
To create something that makes life better for children, especially those without access to education or safe environments.
To rushing a decision just to meet a deadline. I believe in taking the time to do things properly, especially when it impacts our team or customers.
I start my mornings with coffee and quiet reflection, then review my goals for the day. It helps me stay focused and intentional before jumping into the fast pace of work.