Location-based games for language learning: a scoping review

Location-based games for language learning is an emerging and innovative domain that has gained momentum over the past twenty years. Such games situate learning in real-world locations, incorporating interactive elements such as collaborative tasks and location-specific prompts, often supported by digital resources like augmented reality. This scoping review maps current research on location-based games for language learning, examining their role in language acquisition, key features of the games and how their effectiveness is assessed. Following PRISMA guidelines, we formulated research questions, identified relevant publications and analysed data from six databases, resulting in 19 included studies. Each study was coded for key characteristics such as data collection methods, intervention types and theoretical frameworks. Our findings show a variety of approaches to implementing location-based games in language learning. While some studies examine their effects on engagement and motivation, others explore language pragmatics and the co-construction of meaning in social interactions. However, inconsistencies in methodological approaches, participant numbers and theoretical underpinnings limit the comparability of findings. We recommend further studies grounded in robust theoretical frameworks across a variety of geographical locations, language learning settings and learner demographics to build on existing work and advance understanding of how location-based games can enhance language learning.