Predicting Gamified Apps Adoption: The Influence of Student Optimism and Innovativeness

In higher education, gamification holds significant potential as it engages students in interactive and immersive learning experiences that stimulate critical thinking, active participation, and problem-solving capabilities. The interactive nature of gamified environments enables learners to apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts, thereby enhancing their understanding and supporting better knowledge retention. This study aims to examine the extent to which Malaysian university students’ optimism and innovativeness contribute to their intention to adopt gamified applications in learning. Using a survey approach, data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 137 accounting students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Tapah, Perak. The analysis reveals that optimism has a significant and positive influence on students’ willingness to use gamified apps. These insights offer practical implications for educators, game developers, and policymakers in promoting the effective integration of gamification into higher education settings.