At the end of the day, learning a language is still a learning process, which can often feel demanding and not exactly the most immediately rewarding. Luckily, unlike other academic subjects, English can be learned and improved through more engaging means, such as playing games. Indeed, this is a great strategy to make learning English from scratch more enjoyable, thereby enhancing engagement and retention. Explore the best games for learning English!
Benefits of Using Games in English Language Learning
Enhanced Engagement and Motivation
According to a 2025 systematic review by The Open Psychology Journal, gamification is becoming increasingly popular in English language learning, as it improves diverse cognitive functions and student motivation.
Language learning is a complex process that requires cognitive abilities, such as working memory, sustained attention, and good processing speed. Because gamification fosters active participation and motivation, it supports cognitive improvements leading to better processing and retention of linguistic concepts in English.
However, for effective language learning, games require clever design, updates, and a balance of competitive and collaborative elements to foster positive learning outcomes. 1
Gamification, or playful design, refers to the strategic application of game design principles, mechanics, and elements in non-game environments. It is often facilitated through digital platforms, with the aim of solving problems, increasing engagement, and motivating people to achieve their goals. 2
Contextual Learning and Practical Application
Games are also effective for reinforcing English, as students learn vocabulary and grammar in specific situations. In other words, thanks to the context of the game and through instructions or dialogues, you can boost the learning of new vocabulary and related semantic concepts.
For example, a game may require players to “solve a mystery,” so you can learn and memorize practical expressions within that context. In addition to increasing your vocabulary, you can also reinforce your spelling, your oral skills, and practical communication with other participants. Because games offer an interactive experience, learning English is more dynamic and less stressful.
Immediate Feedback and Progress Tracking
On the other hand, learning languages through games is also very convenient for receiving instant feedback, since games immediately show whether an answer is correct or incorrect (especially online games). This way, you can identify and correct your mistakes and reinforce the correct use of the language. This immediate feedback will also help reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Another great advantage of learning English through games and apps is that you can track your progress, set short-term goals, and stay motivated over time. Last but not least, because you will get the correct answers quickly, you can include these resources for more practical study sessions.
Games for Children
Children can sometimes struggle with sitting down and memorizing endless pages of vocabulary and grammar, but as soon as you turn something into a game, their attention span for it goes through the roof! This has been known for a long time, and many games to teach English to young learners have been developed over the years.
Of course, there will be a considerable difference between games to learn English for preschool students and those for students at higher levels, but luckily, these are not in short supply, no matter the level of English proficiency. Some great games to learn English for kids are:
- Pictionary
- Simon Says
- Charades
- Jumbled Words
- Word Connect
Why games work with children?
🎮 Dynamic learning
Children learn better when they are actively involved and do not feel pressured.
🧠 Staying motivated
Rewards and immediate feedback boost students' confidence and encourage continuous learning.
👥 Interaction and teamwork
Many games encourage collaboration and communication, which improve conversational skills.
Interactive Online Games
Online games have become a great tool for learning English. Due to the growth of the Internet and the rise of digital platforms, language practice is no longer limited to traditional resources. Today, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension while enjoying dynamic online learning resources.
At Games to Learn English, for example, you will find interactive exercises designed for English learners. Through these games, you can improve your vocabulary, spelling, listening comprehension, and basic grammar, and you will find resources for all academic levels.
However, as with all these more fun and engaging ways to learn English, they will not always be the most effective on their own. The best way to use tools such as games to learn a language is to use them alongside other learning methods. Perhaps you could combine board games, play some online games to learn English in your spare time, and watch movies to improve your pronunciation.
Why are online games great for English?
🧠 Interactive learning
Practice vocabulary, grammar, and listening comprehension through play.
💻 Constant exposure
Offers frequent contact with English words, instructions, and audio. Vocabulary and comprehension improve naturally.
💪 Motivation and practice
Fun and accessible at any time. Encourage consistency and learning outside the classroom.
Educational Board Games
Educational board games are excellent for reinforcing English vocabulary and spelling. For example, Scrabble and Boggle challenge players to get creative with letters and words.
Scrabble
Scrabble, a classic board game and even better for those who want to learn English. The game tests each player's English spelling and vocabulary skills, as it requires a great deal of creativity to form words with a limited selection of letters. In addition, it is a board game that encourages competition and will keep players focused without them realizing they are actively learning English.
Scrabble is one of the best games for children and adults to learn English, whether online or in person, thanks to its simple rules and endless possibilities. On top of all this, the game is simply fun, even for native English speakers!
Boggle
A simpler game than Scrabble, despite its name, Boggle is a classic word-finding game with random letters. You can either play Boggle with a real board or a plethora of online apps, but both work equally well, either on your own or with friends. You must form as many English words as you can, which will again call on your vocabulary and spelling skills. Boggle reinforces rapid word recognition, spelling and vocabulary memorization.
Why are board games great for English?
📑 Learn more vocabulary
Learn new words and explore different letter combinations. Expand your English vocabulary.
✏️ Improve your spelling
Reinforce your spelling skills and develop faster word recognition.
🎮 Play, compete, and learn
Board games combine competition and fun, which increases motivation and language retention.
Games and game-based learning were well-known teaching concepts in ancient Greece and during the Roman Empire. The oldest African board games were created over 5,000 years ago. 3
Mobile Applications
Mobile apps are also a flexible way to study English in your spare time, anytime, anywhere. With the convenience of phones and tablets, language learning is no longer limited to traditional learning tools. Apps such as Beelinguapp offer bilingual reading experiences that allow users to read texts in English alongside their native language. This will help you understand the meaning of words through context.
In addition, mobile language apps often offer interactive exercises, quizzes, and progress tracking. Other great examples are:
- Beelinguapp
- Duolingo
- Babbel
- FluentU
- Memrise
Why are mobile apps great for English?
😉 Flexible and convenient
Mobile apps allow students to practice English anytime, anywhere.
🎯 Personalized learning
Many apps adapt to your level and track your progress. Focus on what you need to improve and learn.
🎲 Interactive and consistent
Short daily sessions make it easy to create consistent study habits.
Online Multiplayer Games
If you want to learn English but find it difficult to do so on your own, we recommend focusing on online multiplayer games, which create a dynamic, collaborative environment. These types of games help participants improve their spelling, expand their vocabulary, and identify words more quickly. Some excellent examples are:
- Wordrop (GameEnglish)
- Skribbl.io
- Wordwall (Multiplayer mode)
- Quizlet Live
Why are multiplayer games great for English?
⏰️ Real-time communication
Players interact live with others, which improves mental agility and practical language use.
🤯 Vocabulary recall
Quickly recall and use words under time pressure, strengthening memory and fluency.
🧠 Increased motivation
The competitive aspect makes learning fun, reduces anxiety, and encourages consistent practice.
Games for Adults
Aside from the two mentioned previously, there are plenty of other engaging and enjoyable board games that help adults learn English. These can be good as they are a great way to both enjoy some leisure time in a busy schedule, and learn languages at the same time. A few other great examples of word-based board games that can even be played online for free are:
- Bananagrams
- Rewordable
- Scattergories
Why are games for adults great for English?
📞 Practical communication skills
Games often simulate real-life situations, helping students practice useful vocabulary.
✨ Increased confidence
Games create a pressure-free environment where mistakes can be made without fear.
👏 Engagement and motivation
Competitive or problem-solving elements keep participants mentally stimulated, making learning more enjoyable.
For adults learning English, free online apps and games can be a practical and effective way to improve language skills. However, this is only the beginning when it comes to learning any language.
Traditional Word Games
Traditional word games are also super effective for reinforcing English language skills. For example, activities such as crossword puzzles, word searches, and Hangman are ideal for reinforcing vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension.
With regard to crossword puzzles, since each clue requires understanding the context, crossword puzzles help expand vocabulary and improve memory. On the other hand, word search games improve visual recognition of words and familiarity.
Also, the classic Hangman is a short game that doesn’t tend to hold attention for very long, but it is one of the best games to learn English in groups that teachers can have as their arsenal. Hangman is a primarily fun game that will have the whole group thinking about their English vocabulary and how words are spelled. These low-tech, low-budget word games are accessible and adaptable to all levels.
Why are traditional word games great for English?
📝 Improve your vocabulary
Crossword puzzles and word searches expose students to new words and definitions, helping them expand their vocabulary.
✒️ Improve your spelling
Repeated exposure to letter patterns and word structures improves spelling accuracy and fluency.
🧠 Boost your critical thinking
Games such as crossword puzzles require problem-solving, which improves comprehension and cognitive skills.
Incorporating Games into Classroom and Self-Study
Is English hard to learn? Not necessarily. However, there is no reason to make this work any harder than it could be. With the limited time we all have in the modern world, making sure you use your language learning time efficiently is vital. This is why games can be a very effective complement to both classroom teaching and independent study for children and adults. When used strategically, these types of games make learning more interactive and effective.
If it's well done then it's fun, and if you learn something in a fun environment it might stick better in your brain.
Teachers’ experiences of using game-based learning methods
Strategies for Educators
Tips for Self-Learners
References
- Al-Khresheh, M. H. (2025). The cognitive and motivational benefits of gamification in English Language learning: a systematic review. The Open Psychology Journal, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.2174/0118743501359379250305083002
- Athanasios Christopoulos & Stylianos Mystakidis. (2023, October 11). Gamification in Education. Scholarly Community Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/50090
- Andreas Hellerstedt & Peter Mozelius. (2019, June). Game-based learning - A long history. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336460471_Game-based_learning_-_a_long_history
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