The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Performance and Motivation of University Students: An Exploratory Study

This study explored the impact of Game-Based Learning (GBL) on undergraduate student performance and motivation in the Malaysian educational setting. It was hypothesized that GBL will lead to a significant difference in performance and motivation among University students compared to the traditional learning methods. The research employed an experimental design using a random sampling method to select participants from the selected university. The sample size consisted of 36 participants, and the data was collected through a pre-and post-test for the performance. A motivation scale was also employed to identify the increase in motivation before and after implementation. The study targeted undergraduate students because they are open to innovative learning methods compared to school students. The experiment attempted to incorporate GBL into the teaching by utilizing the "Escape Simulator," an interactive first-person puzzler available on Steam. A character named Alex with different Big Five Personality Traits was created using ChatGPT for this experiment. The result showed that there were no significant differences between the GBL among the control group. Individual time constraints, gender differences, game design, and learning styles were crucial factors influencing the educational effectiveness of GBL. It also contributed to the observed insignificance in performance outcomes. In terms of motivation, six of them proved that the positive impact of GBL on motivation was evident, which enhanced students' competence, autonomy, and relatedness. The findings contribute insights into the integration of GBL within diverse educational frameworks. Recognizing that not all students prefer GBL prompts future research to delve into the dynamics of student preferences within blended learning environments. Integrating game elements enhances learning effects thus studying the interaction between individual learning styles and GBL effectiveness can help to enhance personalized learning content design. Educators and curriculum developers are encouraged to integrate GBL elements into the teaching approach, leveraging the positive impact on student performance and motivation.