Motor games have been displaced by virtual games, which contrasts with the development of skills and the socialization of human beings. The aim of this theoretical review was to define the concepts associated with motor game in order to establish methodological adaptations associated with its characteristics in the area of Physical Education and to advance in the development of this term in order to respond to the needs and interests of students in the 21st century. The search includes articles published from 1938 to 2021. This theoretical review concludes that there is general agreement that motor games are fundamental for the integral development of 21st century schoolchildren. In this context, Physical Education acquires an essential role for this integral development, and play is an excellent means to achieve it.