The evolution and future of video games in higher education: Critical perspectives and research directions

This review provides a critical analysis of the emerging role of video games in higher education, with a specific focus on their theoretical foundations, practical implications, and potential areas for future research. The author posits that despite the potential benefits of video games in promoting student engagement and enhancing learning outcomes, the integration of these games into higher education curricula faces significant theoretical and practical challenges that have not been adequately explored in current scholarly works. Through the synthesis and critical analysis of recent research, this review highlights the significant tensions that arise when attempting to implement game-based learning in higher education settings, despite its perceived benefits. This review conducts a systematic literature review and employs a well-established thematic analysis framework. The author has identified five crucial areas that necessitate additional investigation. These include the epistemological underpinnings of game-based learning, the assessment of long-term learning outcomes, the equity implications of game-based education, the integration of emerging technologies, and the development of game design frameworks tailored for higher education. The purpose of this review is to stimulate a more nuanced and critical discussion regarding the impact of video games in higher education. This entails transcending techno-optimism and embracing a more theoretically informed and empirically substantiated perspective.