Interactive Language Learning: The Potential of the ‘Lingo Verse’ Application to Motivate Through Play

Foreign language learning is a complex process that requires perseverance, commitment, and effective methods to engage learners and keep their motivation high. However, many traditional language learning tools are often non-interactive and difficult to use, making it difficult for users to make continuous and enjoyable progress. This lack of accessibility and stimulation has highlighted the need for innovative tools that combine entertainment with instruction. Consequently, there has been a need to develop applications that exploit the dynamics of play to foster learning, making the process more accessible and engaging. This work focuses on the development of “Lingo Verse”, a language learning application that offers users an interactive and entertaining experience. This app aims to make foreign language learning more accessible and engage users through a simple and functional design. The app provides an incremental learning approach which incentivises users to learn new words and phrases. It provides an interactive and user-centred design that improves motivation and effectiveness. Moreover, it offers a daily picture of the user work and social scoring. Finally, this work shows that game development platforms can also be used for educational purposes.