Meta-analysis reveals small to medium benefits of DGBLL on L2 proficiency across various game designs, suggesting some games outperform educational ones.
Key Points
Digital game-based language learning has a small to medium positive effect on second language development, enhancing engagement.
The meta-analysis shows the effect size for between-groups designs is 0.50 and 0.95 for within-group designs, indicating moderate effectiveness.
This research analyzed studies published before January 2020, focusing on various game design features and intended purposes.
Findings suggest that entertainment games are more effective than educational games for L2 development, necessitating further research.