What kind of gamified learning is working: evidence from 37 studies

By Liu Ziyu; Institute of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, China

Gamification (adding game-like elements to lessons) can boost student engagement and learning. Studies show it works best when activities have clear rules, challenges that get harder over time, and surprises to spark curiosity. Research suggests that well-designed gamification can enhance academic performance and foster positive emotional experiences, such as increased confidence and enjoyment. However, designing effective gamified tasks requires careful planning, as poorly implemented elements—such as excessive competition or overly complex rules—may inadvertently demotivate learners or distract from core content.

A recent large-scale analysis by Chinese researchers, synthesizing 37 studies, offered actionable insights. The study found that gamified learning had a moderate positive impact on student outcomes (average effect size d = 0.57), with the strongest results seen in activities that included clear rules, challenges, and unexpected scenarios designed to stimulate curiosity at the same time—for example, mystery-solving tasks or narrative-driven quests.

Notably, effects varied by subject. Disciplines with structured knowledge systems, such as mathematics and engineering, showed greater benefits compared to humanities or arts, suggesting that gamification works best when aligned with concrete, step-by-step learning objectives. Practical recommendations for teachers include a) introduce simple gamified elements like point systems or progress badges to complement existing lessons, ensuring rules are easy to understand; b) regularly assess whether gamification enhances learning or causes distractions and c) embed storytelling or mystery elements to align challenges with learning goals.