Understanding the Challenges of Game-Based Training

Abstract

Substantial resources have been put towards game-based learning and the use of games in multidisciplinary research and practice. Despite this growing popularity, a definitive link has yet to be established between games and learning outcomes such as improved motor skills or recall of information. The problems researchers face are a series of challenges that prevent researchers from conducting research on game-based learning in a consistent and standardized way. Through reviewing and aggregating the literature, the authors describe five challenges currently facing the area of game-based learning and offer recommendations as to what future research could do to resolve these challenges moving forward. The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide a steppingstone in the game-based learning literature to help move the field away from conflicting research findings and toward a clearer understanding of game-based learning as an educational solution across disciplines.