Impact of Video Games, Gamification, and Game-Based Learning on Sustainability Education in Higher Education

Abstract

Today, the European Union and the governments of its constituent countries are focused on the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda—something that has been translated into education itself. Video games, gamification, and game-based learning have become different strategies and tools to enhance the learning process and some of the growing approaches used by teachers to develop sustainable education in classrooms. This research aims to analyze the characteristics to promote sustainability in education using games and technology, specifically in terms of learning benefits for higher education. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA methodology. At first, 2025 documents were found; after the filtering phases, the number of articles was reduced to 9, which were subsequently analyzed in depth. The results indicated that the benefits of the use of games mediated by technologies include the following: it favors education for sustainability, and it promotes the educational inclusion and the work of various social skills, such as collaborative and cooperative work. Also, there was an increase in the number of publications between 2019 and 2023, reflecting the growing interest in the topic. However, there are some research gaps in this field.

Empowering high school students with online game literacy

“…On the other hand, students are also expected to be able to be smarter in managing time, being responsible, maintaining cultural civility, and respecting others, especially parents. However, it does not close the possibility that this high school will also start to use game-based learning innovations as strategies and tools to develop sustainable education in the classroom (Pineda-Martínez, 2023). They increasingly influenced by the digital age, looking for a more exciting and interactive learning experience (Anastasiadis et al, 2018).…”

The practice of eSports in university students. Sponsorships and Streaming

“…Authors such as García-Naveira et al (2018) point out that the regular use of video games and eSports improves people's cognitive abilities, psychological skills, and the development of values; they can also be a useful tool for training and mental evaluation, in which it remains to define the optimal daily hours of use for their benefit and the need to combine with other activities (studies, physical activity, rest habits ...). In higher education, the benefits of the use of games mediated by technologies include the following: it promotes education for sustainability, and it encourages educational inclusion and the function of different social skills, such as collaborative and cooperative work (Pineda Martínez et al, 2023).…”