Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Pendidikan
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2027): Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Pendidikan

Effects of Game-Based Learning on Student Learning Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Sartika Anori (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Syerlie Annisa (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Ryan Fikri (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Nizwardi Jalinus (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Rijal Abdullah (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Ridwan (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Bayu Ramadhani Fajri (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Nov 2026

Abstract

Game-Based Learning (GBL) has increasingly been adopted as an interactive instructional approach to improve learning quality in digitally supported educational environments. However, findings from previous studies remain inconsistent regarding the magnitude of its effect on student learning outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall effect of GBL on learning outcomes by synthesizing evidence from eligible primary studies. A systematic study-selection process was conducted, and 54 effect-size estimates were extracted from scientific articles published in national and international journals. Data were coded using a structured coding sheet containing publication characteristics, sample information, and statistical data required for effect-size calculation. Hedges’ g was used as the standardized effect-size measure, and the pooled effect was estimated using a random-effects model. The analysis produced an overall effect size of g = 0.63, indicating a moderate positive effect of GBL on student learning outcomes. Thus, students exposed to GBL generally achieved better learning outcomes than those receiving conventional instruction. Nevertheless, substantial variation across the included findings suggests that the effectiveness of GBL may depend on instructional context, learner characteristics, subject area, game design, and intervention duration. These findings support the integration of GBL as a promising instructional strategy while emphasizing the need for context-sensitive design and implementation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tip

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Education Engineering

Description

Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Pendidikan (JTIP) is a scientific journal managed by Universitas Negeri Padang and in collaboration with APTEKINDO, born from 2008. JTIP publishes scientific research articles that discuss all fields of computer science and all related to computers. JTIP is published ...