Evolution of game-based learning research - A cross-database bibliometric analysis and visualization study (2015-2024)

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo

This study presents the first comprehensive dual-database bibliometric analysis of game-based learning research, mapping its evolution between 2015 and 2024 using 34,125 documents from Scopus (18,487) and Web of Science (WoS) (15,638). Findings show consistent field expansion with different database patterns: Scopus growth remains steady while WoS declines in 2020. Citation analysis highlights stronger impact for 2015–2018 work, with Hwang as the most influential author and “Computers and Education” as the leading journal.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Keywords

Introduction

Research gap and motivation

Study aims and research questions

Contemporary Educational Technology, 2025, 17(3), ep585 ISSN: 1309-517X (Online) OPEN ACCESS Review Article Evolution of game-based learning research: A crossdatabase bibliometric analysis and visualization study (2015-2024) Aigul I. Akhmetova 1 0000-0002-9292-5515 Salima S. Seitenova 2* 0000-0001-9186-9227 Begzod K. Khodjaev 3 0000-0002-1897-0940 Odinakhon R. Jamoldinova 4 0000-0003-0671-7582 Saule Z. Yerkebaeva 1 0000-0002-7568-9258 Kenzhegul U. Kazybayeva 5 0000-0002-6032-0917 1 Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN 2 Department of Preschool and Primary Education, Mahambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, Uralsk, KAZAKHSTAN 3 Department of General Pedagogy, Nizami Tashkent State Pedagogical University, Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN 4 Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of the Uzbek Language and Literature, Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN 5 Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, Peoples’ Friendship University named after A. Kuatbekov, Shymkent, KAZAKHSTAN * Corresponding author: [seitenova_ss@mail. ru](seitenova_ss@mail. ru) Citation: Akhmetova, A. I., Seitenova, S. S., Khodjaev, B. K., Jamoldinova, O. R., Yerkebaeva, S. Z., & Kazybayeva, K. U. (2025) . Evolution of game-based learning research: A cross-database bibliometric analysis and visualization study (2015-2024) . Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(3), ep585. [https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16451](https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16451) ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Received: 11 Mar 2025 Accepted: 22 May 2025 This study presents the first comprehensive dual-database bibliometric analysis of game-based learning research, investigating its evolution between 2015 and 2024 through analysis of 34,125 documents from Scopus (18,487) and Web of Science (WoS) (15,638) using advanced visualization techniques. The findings reveal consistent field expansion with notable database variations: Scopus demonstrates steady growth while WoS experienced a significant 2020 decline. Citation analysis shows a higher impact on 2015-2018 studies, with Hwang, [G. J. as](G. J. as) the most influential author and “Computers and Education” as the top journal. Co-keyword analysis reveals distinct conceptual structures—Scopus exhibits two clusters (human-centered studies and game-based learning/serious games) versus three in WoS (education-motivation, healthrehabilitation, technology-design) . Thematic analysis demonstrates that game-based learning, serious games, and virtual reality occupy different maturity positions across databases, indicating varied theoretical consolidation. Collaboration networks show US, China, and European dominance, with weaker ties involving developing countries. These findings provide critical insights for educational policymakers and curriculum designers, identifying research clusters to guide targeted funding, collaboration gaps requiring international partnerships, and evidence-based guidance on established versus emerging game-based learning approaches. The dual-database methodology offers comprehensive research landscape mapping that | supports strategic decisions in educational technology implementation and research prioritization.
Keywords: game-based learning, bibliometric analysis, scientific mapping, data visualization, research trends
INTRODUCTION | | --- | | Rapid developments in educational technologies have led to the adoption of innovative approaches in learning-teaching processes. Among these approaches, game-based learning (GBL), which has come to the fore in recent years, draws attention as a method that increases students’ motivation, supports their active participation and improves their cognitive skills (Plass et al., 2015; Qian & Clark, 2016) . By including game dynamics and mechanics into learning activities, GBL gives students interactive and interesting educati

FAQs

What databases and time span does the bibliometric analysis cover?

The study analyzes game-based learning research from 2015 to 2024 using 34,125 documents from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS).

How do the publication trends differ between Scopus and WoS?

Scopus shows steady growth across the period, while WoS experiences a significant decline in 2020.

What key outcomes help policymakers and curriculum designers?

The analysis identifies research clusters, highlights collaboration gaps that may require international partnerships, and distinguishes established versus emerging game-based learning approaches.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo