The transition to university STEM education often reveals critical gaps in foundational mathematical knowledge, leading to decreased confidence and higher dropout rates. CIAO! (Corso Interattivo di Accompagnamento Online), developed at Politecnico di Torino, addresses these challenges through a gamified learning platform. This study presents CIAO! as an innovative educational intervention with three key impacts: increased student engagement through interactive e-books, immediate feedback systems, and a distinctive virtual escape room assessment; improved academic foundation, with approximately 50% of at-risk students fulfilling their remedial requirements; and enhanced transition support that familiarizes students with university expectations and environments. Beyond addressing mathematical deficiencies, CIAO! contributes to educational research by demonstrating how thoughtfully designed gamification can create more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments without requiring advanced technologies. The platform’s modular structure and implementation framework provide a scalable model for other disciplines and institutions seeking to support student transitions and reduce attrition in higher education.