15 Games to Try Game Based Learning

Video games captivate students in a way few other mediums can. Their immersive worlds, engaging challenges, and instant feedback loops naturally draw learners in. But for many parents and educators, the idea of “game-based learning” – specifically learning through video games – can feel daunting. Is it just playing games? How do you ensure real learning happens? Game based learning is a strategic instructional choice, not just a fun distraction. While there are many games marketed as educational, some of the most powerful learning tools are mainstream games. The key isn’t necessarily the educational label, but how the game’s mechanics inherently teach the desired skill or content. Here are fifteen games recommended for game based learning.

1. Minecraft: Education Edition. Subjects: Math, science, literacy, art. A flexible sandbox platform with curriculum-aligned worlds that promote creativity, teamwork, and cross-curricular learning.

2. Osmo (Various Games). Subjects: Math, spelling, coding. Combines physical interaction with digital play for early learners. Excellent for foundational skills and hands-on exploration.

3. Prodigy Math Game. Subjects: Math. Gamifies math practice with a role-playing adventure format, adaptive questions, and curriculum alignment.

4. Zoombinis. Subjects: Logic, pattern recognition. A classic puzzle game that strengthens deductive reasoning and early computational thinking through charming and challenging gameplay.

5. Toca Life World. Subjects: Storytelling, social-emotional learning. Open-ended creative play helps children develop narrative and interpersonal skills in a risk-free digital environment.

6. SimCity EDU. Subjects: Civics, environmental science. A city-building simulation that tasks students with managing pollution, energy use, and community well-being, encouraging systems thinking.

7. The Oregon Trail (Modern Version). Subjects: History, literacy, decision-making. Teaches historical context, risk management, and narrative through a simulation of 19th-century frontier life.

8. Kerbal Space Program. Subjects: Physics, engineering, astronomy. A complex space flight simulator that lets students experiment with design, thrust, gravity, and orbital dynamics.

9. Scratch (by MIT). Subjects: Computer science, storytelling. A free platform where students learn the basics of coding through interactive stories, games, and animations.

10. DragonBox Algebra 12+. Subjects: Algebra. Uses visual metaphors and game mechanics to intuitively teach abstract algebraic concepts.

11. Civilization VI. Subjects: History, geography, economics, government. A turn-based strategy game where students lead a civilization across eras, promoting critical thinking and understanding of historical cause and effect.

12. Portal 2. Subjects: Physics, logic, engineering. A visually engaging, story-driven puzzle game that strengthens spatial reasoning and problem-solving. Includes level creation tools for added challenge.

13. Assassin’s Creed: Discovery Tour. Subjects: History, art, architecture. Offers non-violent, interactive explorations of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Viking Age using museum-like tours built into AAA game environments.

14. Democracy 4. Subjects: Civics, politics, economics. A simulation where players manage policy decisions, budgets, and voter satisfaction, providing insight into real-world governance.

15. Human Resource Machine. Subjects: Programming logic. A quirky, code-based puzzle game that introduces the fundamentals of computer programming through logic and visual sequences.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services