Location-Based Games for Language Learning: A Scoping Review

Location-based games for language learning is an emerging and
innovative domain that has gained momentum over the past
twenty years. Such games situate learning in real-world locations,
incorporating interactive elements such as collaborative tasks and
location-specific prompts, often supported by digital resources
like augmented reality. This scoping review maps current
research on location-based games for language learning,
examining their role in language acquisition, key features of the
games and how their effectiveness is assessed. Following PRISMA
guidelines, we formulated research questions, identified relevant
publications and analysed data from six databases, resulting in 19
included studies. Each study was coded for key characteristics
such as data collection methods, intervention types and
theoretical frameworks. Our findings show a variety of
approaches to implementing location-based games in language
learning. While some studies examine their effects on
engagement and motivation, others explore language pragmatics
and the co-construction of meaning in social interactions.
However, inconsistencies in methodological approaches,
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participant numbers and theoretical underpinnings limit the
comparability of findings. We recommend further studies
grounded in robust theoretical frameworks across a variety of
geographical locations, language learning settings and learner
demographics to build on existing work and advance
understanding of how location-based games can enhance
language learning.