Impact of commercial off-the-shelf video games on L2 vocabulary learning/acquisition: a systematic review

In recent decades, digital technologies have become increasingly integrated into language learning, offering immersive, interactive environments that support second language (L2) acquisition. Among these technologies, video games stand out for their potential to foster vocabulary learning through contextualized, engaging experiences. However, while serious games have been widely studied, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) video games have received comparatively less research attention to date. Following a replicable PRISMA protocol, this systematic review seeks to address this gap by analyzing 13 studies selected from a pool of 129 publications published between 2015 and 2024. The review evaluates the effectiveness of COTS games in L2 vocabulary acquisition, their practical implications, learner perceptions, and associated limitations. Findings suggest that COTS games can foster meaningful vocabulary development and enhance learner engagement, particularly when thoughtfully integrated into pedagogical settings.