Executive Summary: Game-based learning has emerged as a dynamic and effective approach to training. This blog explores the urgent need for game-based learning, highlighting its myriad benefits. We delve into the top 10 game-based learning platforms, providing a comprehensive overview of their features, pros, cons, and more. Discover how these platforms engage and motivate learners, foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and enhance knowledge retention.
In the realm of corporate training, game-based learning platforms are the masterful sword that unlocks the hero within each employee. These platforms leverage the power of video games to transform learning into an engaging adventure. Game-based learning platforms act as virtual battlegrounds, where employees equip themselves with knowledge and skills.
Just as heroes embark on quests, employees are immersed in captivating simulations on game-based learning platforms. This taps into the intuitive nature of games to enhance professional development. Through interactive challenges and rewarding achievements, employees navigate a world where learning becomes an exhilarating pursuit. With each level conquered, these digital warriors gain valuable insights. They tackle real-world scenarios and hone their abilities (in the spirit of continuous learning).
So, equip your team with game-based learning platforms, and unleash their inner champions!
People forget nearly 90% of what they have learnt within just 7 days, unless the concepts are reinforced. That’s why employees swamped with documents, presentations, and classroom sessions are not likely to learn much.
However, time constraints make it difficult to reinforce vast concepts.
What can you do instead? Arm your employees with one concept at a time. Studies show the human attention span is only 8.25 seconds, so keep your training concise.
RapL is your software for that.
What is game-based learning?
Game-based learning is a modern training approach. It utilizes games to enhance the learning process. Game-based learning involves integrating game elements such as challenges, goals, and rewards into training programs. |
By immersing learners in interactive and engaging game scenarios, game-based learning promotes active participation, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and skill development. Studies show that game-based interventions lead to substantial improvement in cognitive skills. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making (Mao et al., 2021).
Game-based learning provides a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience. This fosters better knowledge retention and improves learning outcomes.
Game-based learning platforms are digital tools that provide an interactive environment for training purposes. They are designed to incorporate game elements into the learning process. This makes learning engaging and enjoyable. These platforms typically operate through software applications or online platforms.
Game-based learning platforms offer a variety of training games and activities. These games are specifically designed to align with training objectives and learning outcomes.
Game-based learning platforms offer features such as level progression, leaderboards, badges, and rewards to keep learners motivated and engaged. Game-based learning platforms incorporate elements of gamification, such as points, levels, and achievements, to enhance the learning experience.
Game-based learning platforms allow learners to navigate through different levels, solve puzzles, complete challenges, and earn rewards based on their progress and achievements. They have incorporated features like timers, scoring systems, and interactive visuals to enhance the immersive experience.
Companies can use game-based learning platforms to create customized learning experiences. They can select and assign specific games to employees based on their individual needs and learning goals. Additionally, game-based learning platforms offer tools for companies to monitor employee progress, track performance, and provide feedback.
Game-based learning platforms also provide immediate feedback in the form of notifications, scores, or visual cues that help learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Now, let’s take a look at how it helps companies boost productivity and drive the bottom line.
How does game-based learning help companies?
Game-based learning has emerged as a powerful tool for companies, as games can enhance the learning of work-related knowledge and skills. Studies show that knowledge retention is 10% higher and self-efficacy is 20% higher through game-based training (Sitzmann, 2011). Increased knowledge retention enables employees to leverage their expertise and make informed decisions. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within companies. Additionally, heightened self-efficacy empowers individuals to take ownership of their work, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence. This results in more productivity and organizational success.
Here are more ways in which game-based learning helps companies:
- Engaging, interactive games for training: Game-based learning is like stepping into a virtual world, where training is transformed into an immersive game experience. Just as players dive into captivating games, employees embark on interactive quests. This makes learning engaging and exciting. Through challenging levels, rewards, and instant feedback, employees level up their skills and knowledge. RapL incorporates badges and leaderboards for rewards, as well as instant feedback. After answering quiz questions, employees receive immediate feedback, along with rationales for all answers. Like skilled gamers, they develop problem-solving abilities and sharpen their decision-making skills. The immersive and interactive nature of game-based learning fosters active engagement. This leads to increased learner motivation, attention, and focus. This results in improved learning outcomes (Hwang, G. J., Wu, P. H., & Chen, C. C, 2012).
- Active learning with immediate feedback: Game-based learning encourages active participation and offers immediate feedback. As in a game, employees can actively engage with content, solve challenges, and make decisions. The feedback instantly lets them know how well they are doing, and guides them towards improvement. Game-based learning provides opportunities for active learning. Learners are actively engaged in the learning process through decision-making, problem-solving, and meaningful interactions. This leads to deeper understanding and higher levels of knowledge acquisition (Girard, C., Ecalle, J., & Magnan, A, 2013).
- Promotes critical thinking: Game-based learning provides employees with interactive scenarios. They must analyze complex problems, strategize solutions, and work together to achieve objectives. Through simulations, employees gain hands-on experience in decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork. They are encouraged to think critically, adapt to change, and communicate effectively with their colleagues. Game-based learning has been shown to enhance motivation and engagement, foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, promote collaboration and teamwork, and improve knowledge retention and transfer (Wouters et al., 2013).
- Personalized learning: Game-based learning personalizes learning for employees by tailoring experiences to their individual needs and learning styles. Through adaptive game mechanics and personalized feedback, employees receive targeted guidance and support. This allows them to progress at their own pace and focus on specific areas. By providing customized learning paths and challenges, games engage employees in a way that aligns with their interests. This personalized approach enhances knowledge retention, skill acquisition and professional development. This maximizes the effectiveness of corporate training programs. Game-based learning platforms incorporate adaptive technologies and intelligent tutoring systems that can assess learners’ performance, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and provide personalized recommendations for further learning (Hwang, G. J., & Wu, P. H., 2012).
- Enhances engagement and skill development: Game-based learning immerses employees in interactive and challenging experiences. Through gamification elements such as leaderboards, achievements, and rewards, employees are motivated to actively participate and strive for improvement. Games provide a safe space for employees to practice and apply new skills. This fosters hands-on learning and boosts confidence. Real-time feedback and performance analytics allow employees to track their progress, identify areas for growth, and refine their skills. This engaging and dynamic approach accelerates skill development and enhances overall training outcomes. Research has shown that game-based learning leads to enhanced skill development and transferability of knowledge to real-world contexts. (Sitzmann, 2011).
- Improved knowledge retention: Through the power of gameplay mechanics, game-based learning enhances knowledge retention. The interactivity, immediate feedback, and repetition found in games reinforce learning concepts. This helps employees remember and apply the knowledge in real-world situations. By creating a stimulating learning environment, companies can maximize the effectiveness of their training programs. Game-based learning offers the advantage of spaced repetition. This allows learners to encounter and review content multiple times through gameplay sessions. This has been shown to improve knowledge retention and transfer (Mayer, R. E., 2014).
- Team collaboration and communication: Many games encourage teamwork and collaboration, and game-based learning platforms are no exception. Companies can utilize game-based learning platforms to foster collaboration among employees. This can be done by simulating team-based challenges and encouraging effective communication. By working together towards common goals within the game, employees can build their teamwork skills and positive working relationships. Game-based learning provides opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. This is as learners engage in team-based gameplay, communicate, negotiate, and work together to achieve common goals (Bellotti et al., 2013).
Now, let’s understand the benefits of game-based learning platforms.
Benefits of game-based learning platforms
A study demonstrated that game-based training resulted in a 20% higher learning transfer compared to traditional training methods (Jackson et al., 2018). Higher learning transfer boosts productivity. Employees can seamlessly apply acquired knowledge and skills to real-world tasks. This enables them to adapt and perform at their best. The optimizes performance, streamlines processes, and drives organizational efficiency.
There are more benefits of using game-based learning platforms:
Increased engagement: Game-based learning platforms leverage engaging narratives, interactive challenges, and rewards systems to boost employee engagement. By immersing learners in a dynamic virtual environment, these platforms tap into their natural curiosity and desire for achievement. Employees are motivated to explore, experiment, and overcome obstacles. This results in deeper engagement that promotes active learning, retention of knowledge, and a positive attitude toward training. A survey by TalentLMS shows that 83% of employees who received gamified training felt motivated, while 61% of those who received non-gamified training felt bored and unproductive.
Improved learning: Game-based learning platforms enhance learning outcomes by providing interactive experiences. This promotes active learning and critical thinking. Through gameplay, employees can apply knowledge in practical contexts, receive immediate feedback, and adapt their strategies accordingly. This hands-on approach fosters deeper understanding, problem-solving skills, and long-term retention of information. This leads to improved learning outcomes. Studies have shown that game-based learning can lead to enhanced learning outcomes by promoting active learning, higher engagement, and increased retention of information (Papastergiou, 2009).
Higher motivation: Game-based learning platforms spark higher motivation among employees. This is by tapping into their intrinsic desire for challenge, achievement, and progress. The interactive nature of games, coupled with rewards and leveling systems, creates a sense of accomplishment and encourages continued engagement. This motivation translates into increased effort, active participation, and a positive attitude towards learning. Game-based learning can increase motivation by incorporating elements such as challenge, competition, rewards, and progression. This can activate learners’ intrinsic motivation. It can also foster a sense of achievement and mastery (Papastergiou, 2009).
Better knowledge retention: Game-based learning platforms enhance knowledge retention by employing interactive and immersive experiences. Through games, learners actively apply and reinforce concepts. The hands-on nature of games promotes active engagement, repetition, and retrieval practice. This contributes to better long-term knowledge retention. Research has shown that game-based learning can improve long-term knowledge retention, compared to traditional instructional methods. This is as learners are more likely to remember information learned in the context of interactive and engaging gameplay (Gee, J. P., 2007).
Development of skills: Game-based learning platforms facilitate the development of a wide range of skills. By presenting challenges, puzzles, and problem-solving scenarios, these platforms encourage critical thinking, decision-making, and creativity. Additionally, they promote communication, collaboration, and strategic planning. This enables the development of valuable real-world skills. Game-based learning can support the development of social and emotional skills such as teamwork, empathy, resilience, and leadership. This is because learners collaborate with others, negotiate roles, and navigate social interactions within the games (Boyle et al., 2012).
Personalized learning: Game-based learning platforms offer personalized learning experiences through adaptive algorithms and data analysis. Game-based learning platforms assess learners’ strengths and weaknesses. They also provide targeted feedback and content. This personalized approach maximizes learning efficacy, optimizes skill development, and ensures employees receive tailored support to reach their full potential. Game-based learning can be leveraged to support personalized learning by adapting the content, difficulty level, and feedback to match individual learners’ needs, preferences, and learning styles (Arnab et al., 2015).
Top 10 game-based learning platforms
These 10 platforms have been ranked based on user reviews, core features, and gamification offerings. Compiled through detailed research, this list provides valuable insights into the best options available in game-based learning.
RapL is one of the leading game-based learning platforms. It uses microlearning, personalization, game elements, spaced repetition, and much more to enhance corporate training.
Through AI-based spaced repetition, RapL optimizes knowledge retention. This is through repeated exposure to information and questions at specific intervals. When employees answer questions correctly and with high confidence at least twice, they achieve “mastery” of the concept. RapL’s platform rewards employees with badges for mastering questions and topics. These badges fuel motivation, confidence, and self-esteem. This creates a sense of achievement.
Additionally, RapL uses leaderboards. Leaderboards inspire healthy competition and encourage employees to strive for excellence. This enhances engagement and drives continuous learning within the organization. Leaderboards create a sense of friendly competition among employees, spurring them to outperform their peers and reach the top ranks. This gamified element not only adds excitement and engagement but also fosters a collaborative learning culture. This is because employees strive to learn and share knowledge to climb the leaderboard together.
Core Features:
- Badges and leaderboards
- Social learning experience
- AI-powered spaced repetition
- Customizable learning paths
Pros | Cons |
Provides personalized learning experiences | Limited course offering |
Engaging and gamified learning activities | Advanced features require additional cost |
Offers real-time feedback and progress tracking | Limited integration with other tools and platforms |
Kahoot 360 is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It enhances employee learning through interactive quizzes and surveys. It enables trainers to create engaging learning experiences with customizable content and multimedia elements. With real-time feedback and analytics, Kahoot 360 allows companies to assess knowledge gaps and measure training effectiveness for continuous improvement.
Core Features:
- Gamified learning experience for employees
- Customizable training modules and assessments
- Real-time performance tracking and analytics
Pros | Cons |
Engages and motivates employees through gamification | Relies on internet connectivity for usage |
Flexible and adaptable to various training needs | May not be suitable for all types of training |
Provides valuable data for assessing performance | Limited interactivity compared to physical training |
Trivie is one of the top game-based learning platforms. Through gamified quizzes and a competitive leaderboard, it motivates employees to actively participate and retain knowledge. With adaptive learning algorithms and real-time feedback, Trivie personalizes content and improves performance. Its analytics dashboard allows tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Core Features:
- Gamified quizzes with a competitive leaderboard
- Adaptive learning algorithms for personalized content
- Analytics dashboard for tracking progress
Pros | Cons |
Engaging learning experience enhances retention | Limited customization options for content |
Gamification motivates employees to participate | Potential dependency on internet connectivity |
Real-time feedback and analytics improve performance | May require additional training integration efforts |
Gamelearn is one of the top game-based learning platforms. With a focus on engaging and immersive learning experiences. Their programs incorporate interactive storytelling and decision-making elements. Covering a wide range of topics including leadership, negotiation, and time management. Gamelearn offers diverse skill-building opportunities.
Core Features:
- Serious games for corporate training
- Interactive storytelling and decision-making exercises
- Covers various topics like leadership, negotiation
Pros | Cons |
Engaging and immersive learning experiences. | Limited customization options for content |
Variety of topics and skills covered | Expensive compared to some alternatives |
Interactive storytelling and decision-making elements | Relies on computer or device access |
Quizizz is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It enhances employee learning through interactive quizzes. It offers a vast library of pre-made quizzes. It also allows for customization to match specific training needs. With its multiplayer mode and leaderboards, Quizizz encourages healthy competition and engagement. It also provides real-time feedback to support knowledge reinforcement.
Core Features:
- Interactive and competitive quiz-based learning
- Customizable quizzes and assessments
- Real-time progress tracking and analytics
Pros | Cons |
Promotes active learning and engagement | Limited options for interactive content types |
Supports individual and team-based learning | May not be suitable for in-depth training |
Offers flexibility for self-paced learning | Potential for reliance on technology infrastructure |
Quizlet is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It facilitates interactive learning through flashcards, quizzes, and learning games. It enables employees to create and share custom learning sets. With its vast content library and adaptive learning features, Quizlet enhances knowledge retention and promotes efficient training.
Core Features:
- Flashcard-based learning with various modes
- Vast library of user-generated learning materials
- Progress tracking and personalized learning plans
Pros | Cons |
Versatile learning tool for different subjects | Limited interactivity beyond flashcards and quizzes |
Access to a wide range of learning materials | Quality of user-generated content can vary |
Supports collaborative learning and discussion | May require additional effort for customization |
EdApp is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It offers a variety of interactive games, quizzes, and simulations. With its mobile-friendly interface and analytics dashboard, EdApp allows companies to track learner progress and assess training outcomes for continuous improvement.
Core Features:
- Mobile-friendly platform for corporate training
- Gamified learning with interactive content
- Microlearning approach for bite-sized lessons
Pros | Cons |
Convenient access through mobile devices | Limited content customization options |
Engaging and interactive learning experiences | May require reliable internet connectivity |
Efficient and effective microlearning methodology | Potential learning curve for new users |
Gametize is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It offers customizable game elements, such as quizzes, challenges, and leaderboards. Gametize’s analytics provide insights into individual and team performance. This enables companies to optimize their training strategies for better results.
Core Features:
- Game-based learning with interactive challenges
- Customizable gamification elements and rewards
- Social collaboration and competition features
Pros | Cons |
Enhances employee engagement and motivation | Requires time and effort for setup |
Facilitates teamwork and friendly competition | May not suit all types of training |
Provides a flexible and adaptable platform | Relies on internet connectivity for usage |
Centrical is one of the top game-based learning platforms. It provides interactive simulations, personalized learning paths, and real-time feedback. Centrical’s analytics-driven approach allows companies to measure training effectiveness and identify areas of improvement. This results in more effective and efficient training initiatives.
Core Features:
- Gamified training with interactive challenges
- Personalized learning paths and assessments
- Real-time performance tracking and analytics
Pros | Cons |
Drives employee engagement and motivation | Complex setup and implementation process |
Enables personalized and adaptive learning | Potential need for ongoing technical support |
Provides comprehensive performance insights and data | Higher cost compared to some alternatives |
Simformer is a business simulation and game-based learning platform. It offers immersive learning experiences. It provides users with realistic scenarios to practice decision-making in a safe and controlled environment. With a focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving, Simformer equips individuals with the skills needed to navigate complex business challenges.
Core Features:
- Business simulation platform for training
- Realistic scenarios for decision-making practice
- Focuses on strategic thinking and problem-solving
Pros | Cons |
Realistic business simulations for immersive learning | May require significant time commitment |
Safe environment for practicing decision-making | Limited customization options for simulations |
Enables strategic thinking and problem-solving | Potential learning curve for new users |
By embracing the power of interactive games, game-based learning platforms turn training into an epic adventure. Employees become the heroes of their own professional development journey. Game-based learning platforms are rising in popularity. By investing in employee development through game-based learning platforms, companies can unlock a culture of continuous learning and growth.
RapL is an exceptional provider of game-based learning platforms. We offer a strong training solution for enterprises. Bite-sized microlearning content serves as power-ups, so your employees can easily gain new strengths. Badges and leaderboards make training fun and engaging, so employees can enjoy leveling-up. Spaced repetition, personalized learning, and many more amazing features of RapL make training interactive and effective. If you’re eager to explore how RapL can assist in your training quest, contact us at hello@getrapl.com.
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