Abstract

Theoretical discussion and empirical work on the value of digital games and gameful design of technology-mediated environments for second and foreign language (L2) learning and instruction constitute a significant but complex and heterogeneous field of research. This chapter offers an extensive introduction to the field, based on a holistic and multifaceted view of gaming and L2 learning. It surveys the key concepts and issues with a view to clarifying the scope of the research agenda and the (sometimes confusing) terminology used in the field, reviews the benefits and effectiveness of gaming for L2 learning as demonstrated by empirical studies, and argues that advances in methodology and theory formation will be essential for the future of both research and practice in the field.