Contextualized Game-Based Language Learning: Retrospect and Prospect

While studies of contextualized game-based language learning (CGBLL) have to date gained a growing scholarly interest, there is still a lack of systematic review synthesizing its research trends regarding theoretical foundations, learning contexts, research foci and findings. To address the gap, this study collected data from the Web of Science (WoS) and reviewed a total of 82 Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) articles pertaining to CGBLL based on the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results revealed that most CGBLL studies were based on social frameworks, including situated learning and socio-cultural theory. Most learning activities were carried out in a local community. Language skills and learner perceptions were the two main research foci. The results also revealed that CGBLL not only improved students’ language performance and perceptions, but also promoted interaction and collaboration, knowledge transfer, autonomy and self-regulation, and higher-order thinking skills. In addition, technical issues, high cognitive load, difficult game tasks, the lack of user guide and explicit game instruction were the major challenges. Based on the results, implications have been made for teachers, designers, and researchers.