A Systematic Review of Digital Games in Second Language Learning Studies

Abstract

This systematic review presents a definition for digital games within the second/foreign language (L2) learning research field. This definition is used to identify games used in research in the last five years (2012-2017). Forty-nine studies were identified and then summarized by type of research, game genre employed, age, and size of sample populations, and focus of research (vocabulary acquisition, student perspectives, etc.). Next, the research is synthesized by the L2 aspects investigated in each study. Finally, in the discussion section the L2 gaming research field is evaluated and suggestions for future endeavors are provided.