by TeachThought Staff
Game-Based Learning is a slippery beast.
For one, it promotes students playing video games, which is somewhat radical in many learning environments for anything other than recreation.
And two, there is seemingly a disconnect between what students learn while playing games (e.g., problem-solving, visual-spatial thinking, collaboration, resource management) and the pure academic standards most teachers are interested in promoting mastery of.
In the middle, there is a simple truth that few things are as engaging–for adults and students alike–as a well-designed video game, which might just make the following list of smart “learning games” curated by Sam Gliksman useful to you.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, might we suggest Scribblenauts, Civilization Revolution, and Monster Physics?
8 Games For Game-Based Learning
Civilization Revolution is a simplified version of the popular strategy game where players guide a civilization from ancient times to the modern world, focusing on exploration, diplomacy, and technology. It’s great for teaching problem-solving and strategic thinking in a fun, accessible way. Available on iOS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and mobile devices. Price: $4.99 (iOS & Android), varies for consoles.
Scribblenauts is a creative puzzle game where players can solve challenges by typing words that create objects. The game encourages imagination and vocabulary development as kids find innovative solutions to problems. Available on Nintendo DS, iOS, and Android. Price: $0.99–$4.99 (depending on version).
3. Portal
Portal is a critically acclaimed puzzle game that requires players to use a special “portal gun” to create linked portals to solve puzzles. This game develops logical thinking and spatial awareness in an engaging and thought-provoking way. Available on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac, and Linux. Price: $9.99.
Assassin’s Creed Museum is an educational app that explores the history and environments from the Assassin’s Creed game series. It allows students to learn about historical events and places through an interactive virtual museum. Available on iOS. Price: Free.
Everything Machine is a puzzle game where players use simple machines and logic to solve fun challenges. It helps develop problem-solving and engineering skills in a playful, hands-on environment. Available on iOS and Android. Price: $4.99.
6. Wordle
Wordle is a word-guessing game that challenges players to figure out a hidden word in six tries. This game is excellent for improving vocabulary, critical thinking, and spelling in a fun and addictive way. Available on Web and iOS. Price: Free.
Words With Friends is a word-building game where players form words on a virtual game board, similar to Scrabble. It’s perfect for fostering literacy skills, while also allowing children to compete against friends or family. Available on iOS, Android, and Facebook. Price: Free with in-app purchases.
8. Sandbox
Sandbox is a creative game where players can make pixel art and interactive scenes using a variety of tools. It encourages creativity, visual thinking, and experimentation in a safe, fun environment. Available on iOS and Android. Price: Free with in-app purchases.