Gameplay Engagement and Learning in Game-Based Learning: A Systematic Review
Abstract
In this review, we investigated game design features that promote engagement and learning in game-based learning (GBL) settings. The aim was to address the lack of empirical evidence on the impact of game design on learning outcomes, identify how the design of game-based activities may affect learning and engagement, and develop a set of general recommendations for GBL instructional design. The findings illustrate the impact of key gaming features in GBL at both cognitive and emotional levels. We also identified gaming trends and several key drivers of engagement created by the gaming features embedded within GBL, as well as external factors that may have influences on engagement and learning.
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Innovative game activities immerse students in problem-solving, sustaining motivation and engagement.
“Innovative game activities immerse students in problem-solving, sustaining motivation, and engagement [11].”
From Fostering computational thinking in young students through student generated challenges in tangible mobile augmented reality games (2025) · cites this paper as [11]
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- Authors
- Abdul Jabbar, A. I., & Felicia, P.
- Affiliations
- Waterford Institute of Technology
- Waterford Institute of Technology (IE)
- Venue
- Review of Educational Research
- Published
- 2015-12
- Volume
- 85
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 740-779
- ISSN
- 0034-6543 (ISSN-L)
- 1935-1046
- OpenAlex
- W2138076879
- Cited by
- 576
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 57 · 2025: 67 · 2024: 72 · 2023: 71 · 2022: 62 · 2021: 67 · 2020: 68 · 2019: 52 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 3
- FWCI
- 45.56
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Review of Educational Research (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational Games and Gamification
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Games and Media
- Social Sciences › Education › Problem and Project Based Learning
- Keywords
- game-based learning, game elements, instructional design, learning outcomes, cognitive engagement, emotional engagement
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