Jan L. Plass, Richard E. Mayer and Bruce D. Homer (Eds.), Handbook of Game-Based Learning, The MIT Press, 2020; 600 pp.: ISBN: 978-0-2620-4338-0

The book 'Handbook of Game-Based Learning' is a fundamental work in its field.It provides a systematic and detailed insight into the theoretical foundations, the state of the art in the field, guidelines for research, considerations on design principles, and examples of good practice in the use of educational games in different subject areas.Unlike other books focusing on game development or best practices, 'Handbook of Game-Based Learning' stands out for its reliance on empirical evidence and its foundation in psychological and learning sciences theory.The research field of game-based learning (GBL) investigates the use of games and game elements in education to support different aspects of learning.Games have numerous characteristics that can be used effectively in the learning process.They allow learners to have authentic experiences in a safe and controlled environment where they can test hypotheses, experiment, and learn from mistakes.Active participation enables the acquisition of in-depth knowledge and the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking.While playing the game, learners receive immediate feedback and can effectively identify gaps in their knowledge.The data collected about the learner during gameplay can be used to address their specific learning needs.The use of games can also support the collaborative aspect of learning, teaching social skills, responsible and ethical communication skills, teamwork, task sharing and leadership skills.This book can be a valuable resource for a variety of stakeholders in the learning process, as understanding the fundamental principles of learning and current research trends in the field is crucial.Teachers will have access to more tools and strategies to implement ideas from modern learning theories