Meaningful gamification is the use of game elements and play to build engagement and help learners find personal connections in real-world settings. This study examined the impact of meaningful gamification design on preservice teachers' perceptions, performance, and motivation levels within a gamified lesson planning unit. Participants were enrolled in a language arts teacher preparation course at a regional campus over five semesters. Results show meaningful gamification incorporating mastery learning and leveled curriculum created a learning condition where preservice teachers surpassed expectations and felt intrinsically motivated. Challenges to gamification included waiting on feedback and learning within a new format.