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Vol. 10, No. 3, August 2025

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Effectiveness of a Competitive Educational Game with a Game Controller in English Game-Based Language Learning

https://doi.org/10.22219/kinetik.v10i3.2253
Galang Prihadi Mahardhika
Ibaraki University, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan
Astari Husna Masitha
Sekolah Menengah Atas Masa Depan, Yogyakarta
Masaru Kamada
Ibaraki University, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan

Corresponding Author(s) : Galang Prihadi Mahardhika

24nd303x@vc.ibaraki.ac.jp

Kinetik: Game Technology, Information System, Computer Network, Computing, Electronics, and Control, Vol. 10, No. 3, August 2025

Abstract

Game-based language learning has emerged as a promising approach to language learning activities. Despite its potential, game-based language learning implementation concepts that emphasize player-to-player and player-to-game interactions have not been widely adopted. This study presents an educational game as a game-based language learning application that incorporates face-to-face interaction concepts and competitive game approaches to enhance player-to-player interaction. Additionally, the game utilizes a specially designed game controller to improve player-to-game interaction. The impact of the proposed educational game on the students' learning experience, gaming experience, and motivation was evaluated with a process conducted with 42 high school students (14 females and 28 males). The findings suggest that integrating concepts of face-to-face interaction in competitive game scenarios and the game controller design proposed in this study fosters social interactions among players, positively influencing students' learning experience, gaming experience, and motivation. Furthermore, the findings reveal that students prefer game controllers with microswitch buttons because they provide a physical feel that reduces errors during gameplay. This underscores the importance of ergonomic, easy-to-use game controller designs that minimize errors when playing educational games. By focusing on the interplay between player-to-player and player-to-game interactions, this study provides insight into designing interactive educational games that utilize interaction technology, particularly for language learning.

Keywords

Game-Based Language Learning Competitive Gaming Game Controller Player-to-player Interaction Player-to-game Interaction
Mahardhika, G. P., Masitha, A. H., & Kamada, M. (2025). Effectiveness of a Competitive Educational Game with a Game Controller in English Game-Based Language Learning. Kinetik: Game Technology, Information System, Computer Network, Computing, Electronics, and Control, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.22219/kinetik.v10i3.2253
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