Gamification and Game Based Learning For Vocational Education and Training: A Systematic Literature Review

Education and Information Technologies (2024) 29:1279–1317
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11548-w
Gamification and Game Based Learning for Vocational

Education and Training: A Systematic Literature Review
Fazlida Dahalan1 · Norlidah Alias1 · Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom1
Received: 20 April 2022 / Accepted: 20 December 2022 / Published online: 12 January 2023
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
2023
Abstract
Games have been used as a learning tool for centuries. Gamification and game-
based learning are becoming more prominent in educational settings for several
reasons. When it comes to learning, being focused and immersed can massively
improve a student’s experience. The purpose of this study is to map the emerging
trends of gamification and game-based learning (GBL) in the Vocational and Educa-
tion Training (VET) sector. For this purpose, a Systematic Literature Review was
conducted through the three most relevant scientific databases – Web of Science,
Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed with Google Scholar as a supporting database.
The obtained sample was further selected following the PRISMA guidelines with
screening and eligibility processes conducted based on inclusion criteria that were
defined with consideration to the research’s aim. This review comprised seventeen
studies. The findings revealed a growing interest in the Asian continents in research
from 2020 onwards. Furthermore, most of the study is centred on vocational schools
and colleges in the engineering and healthcare fields. According to the overview,
the digital learning platform and simulation technology are the most promising
tools used in the research. The findings support the conclusion that gamification and
game-based learning can improve academic performance, engagement, and moti-
vation in vocational education learners. As a result, this study suggests that more
research is needed to determine the gamification strategies that are most suited for
vocational education and learning.
* Norlidah Alias
[email protected]
Fazlida Dahalan
[email protected]
Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom
[email protected]
1
Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology, Faculty of Education, Jln Profesor
Diraja Ungku Aziz, University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Vol.:(0123456789)
1280 Education and Information Technologies (2024) 29:1279–1317
Keywords Game-based learning · Gamification · TVET · Instructor · Systematic

literature review
1 Introduction
Technology is growing at a rapid pace nowadays, allowing for faster change and
advancement, and those wanting to remain at the helm of innovation must adapt.
The rising dependency on technology, most notably the internet (Sufian et al., 2020),
around the world contributed to convenience, reduced cost (Dhirendra Kumar, 2015;
Gagnon & Gagnon, 2021), and has created the illusion of a smaller world (Alghamdi
et al., 2020). Emerging technologies like sophisticated robots, artificial intelligence,
and blockchain are accelerating global transformation at a rate never seen before
(Economic Planning Unit, 2014; Omar et al., 2022) and unavoidably transform the
world of employment. An analysis of various National Classification of Occupa-
tions (NCO) data revealed the creation of 54 new job titles out of 2,945 (1.8 per
cent) in India between 1968–2004; 114 out of 3,600 (3.2 per cent) in India between
2004–2015; 26 out of 2,338 (1.1 per cent) in Malaysia; 18 out of 498 (3.6 per cent)
in the Philippines; and 16 out 506 (3.2 per cent) in Vietnam (Khatiwada & Veloso,
2019). These new job titles that mainly emerged in the professional, technical, and
associate professional divisions demand a higher degree of skills and competence.
Thus, educational systems at all levels, most notably vocational education and train-
ing, must evolve with the technology to adequately prepare current and future work-
ers for transitioning to high-skilled jobs. However, current education systems are
ill-equipped to meet the changing skill needs (Ra et al., 2019).
In recent years, numerous technological advancements have been made in the
educational sphere, allowing for the invention and development of effective teach-
ing and learning models capable of fulfilling the expectations of future employment
requirements (Garzón-Artacho et al., 2021; International Labour Organization, 2020;
Yunos et al., 2017; Zabolotska et al., 2021). Even prior to the pandemic, education
was transitioning toward a digital-first environment, and it was a challenge to educa-
tional institutions. The digital transition is a convergence of digital and pedagogical
technologies in order to create digital educational materials, digital didactics, and
other cutting-edge pedagogical strategies with the aim of increasing student engage-
ment and satisfaction (Martin & Bolliger, 2018; Sage et al., 2021), boost psychologi-
cal needs towards motivation (Chiu & Lim, 2020; Reeve, 2018), promote inclusion,
improve feedback practises, accelerate and deepen leaners’ comprehension of a sub-
ject, and make educational activities more learner-centred (Shagataeva, et al., 2021;
Zabolotska et al., 2021).
The migration of face-to-face instruction at schools towards online learning due
to the Covid-19 pandemic has affected approximately 95% of the world’s student
population, resulting in the largest education interruption in history and opening
doors to student-centred learning (Engzell et al., 2021; United, 2020). The COVID-
19 outbreak is swiftly illustrating why education technologies should be a criti-
cal component of teaching and learning since they play a critical role in deliver-
ing education to students outside of school as well as embracing the changes and
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Education and Information Technologies (2024) 29:1279–1317 1281
uncertainty. Malaysia’s government, without exception, promptly implemented a

‘Movement Control Order’ on 18 March 2020 and executed online learning migra-
tion as a new norm to halt the spread of disease and alleviate the burden on the
health system (Sia & Adamu, 2021). Even though Malaysia was well prepared
due to its rapid attempts to develop a policy framework, (Organisation for Eco-
nomic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2021), 27% of 18 digital educa-
tion experts based in 10 different EU countries and Malaysia indicated that the
digitalisation of offline education was the most challenging during the COVID-19
outbreak (DEL4ALL, 2020). It developed certain drawbacks, including restricted
social connection, increased technological costs and scheduling, decreased assess-
ment efficacy, and instructor’s competency skills (Dhirendra Kumar, 2015; Yasak &
Alias, 2015; Yeap et al., 2021).
Despite our discussion of Education 3.0 and Education 4.0, the reality is that
many countries, including those developed, lack even basic and continuous inter-
net access (Vijayan, 2021). Even in affluent countries’ education systems, lack of
instructors’ digital readiness, supporting infrastructure for online learning and low
Internet connectivity or coverage have been identified as concerns (Baser et al.,
2021; Garzón-Artacho et al., 2021; Shagataeva et al., 2021; Wardoyo et al., 2021).
However, Dubé and Wen (2022) identified seven clusters of technology forecasts
for the most prominent educational technologies from 2011 to 2021, based on data
from seven Horizon Reports published between 2011 and 2017. The technologies
are: (i) mobile technology, (ii) maker technology, (iii) analytics technology, (iv)
games, (v) simulation technology, (vi) artificial intelligence (AI), and (vii) other
technologies. The research anticipated that mobile technology would be the most
prominent educational technology from 2011 through the near future. Maker tech-
nology and games, respectively, were forecasted to have an influence on education
from 2015 to 2018 and 2012 to 2016. The impact of analytics technology was pro-
jected to grow and influence learning, alongside other technological advancements
such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Therefore, the aim of
this study is to perform a systematic literature review of the current trends and pat-
terns in educational gamification and GBL for vocational education, as well as to
identify the most effective educational gamification or GBL projects that may be
replicated in the future.
1.1 Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) encompasses formal, non-formal, and

informal learning that equips individuals with the requisite information and skills
for the workplace. The term “vocational education and training (VET)” refers
to the education, training, and development of skills in a wide variety of occupa-
tional domains, production, services, and lifestyles (UNESCO, 2015). It focuses on
developing a new skilled workforce that possesses both technical and interpersonal
abilities, existing workers who wish to improve their employability through contin-
ued skill development, and students who intend to pursue higher education in the
future which can help countries improve their economic development and remain
13
competitive in a globalised world (OECD, 2019). Technical and vocational edu-

cation and training (TVET) is a word that is frequently used interchangeably with
vocational education and training (VET) in the Asia–Pacific area, including Malay-
sia (National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 2020). VET programmes
can be either mainly school-based or work-based.
The curriculum of TVET in Malaysia is designed in accordance with the National
Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) geared toward improving the quality as well
as productivity of the country’s skilled labour force (Department Skills Development,
2022). NOSS is a document that outlines the knowledge, skills and behavioural compe-
tencies related to occupations and is developed based on industry requirements. TVET
adopt Competency-Based Education/Learning (CBE/L) principles in the vocational
training system in Malaysia which entails shifting emphasis from an instructor-centred
approach toward a trainee-centred approach. Statistically, Kulyk et al. (2022) discov-
ered that the labour market’s demand for competent professionals in vocational educa-
tion is increasing each year. Malaysia’s Budget 2018 allotted RM4.9 billion to seven
ministries and agencies involved in TVET to develop a highly trained and competitive
workforce (Abdul-aziz et al., 2020).
However, due to the industry’s emphasis on practical skills and hands-on training,
online learning was not a favourable choice for the VET instructor (Arnold et al.,
2021; Yeap et al., 2021). The UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre (2020)
reported that one-third of all respondents in 126 countries did not use e-learning,
another third used it occasionally, 17% used it regularly, and only 11% used it very
often. Hence, the complete transition to online learning due to the Covid-19 pan-
demic was felt most acutely in the VET sector (UNESCO-UNEVOC, 2021; Yeap
et al., 2021) where most skill-based institutions were caught off guard by the lack of
infrastructure and necessary resources to facilitate online learning (Sia & Adamu,
2021). Worse, instructors experienced mental stress because of unprepared situa-
tions arising from the preparation, presentation, application, and confirmation stages
of online teaching and learning. Previous research lists several issues that plague
the VET field (Gaffoor & Van der Bijl, 2019). Among the reasons revealed in the
study were the instructor’s lack of competency and the students’ heavy course load,
both of which contributed to the students ’low academic performance. The report
found that this might relate to courses being taught more theory-heavy than practical
sessions and suggested that learning should be made more entertaining and interest-
ing. An adequate intervention is necessary to address motivational and performance
issues in vocational education.
1.2 Instructor Digital Competence
Digital competencies empower instructors to maximise digital technologies’ potential.

To facilitate the teaching–learning process of students and foster the development of
important skills, it is required for instructors to have up-to-date training and a specific
degree of digital competence. In Malaysia, concerns about the capabilities of TVET
lecturers in terms of their proficiency, credentials, and skills competence have been a
focus of the country’s instructor education program (UNESCO, 2021). In recent years,
13
the instructor education program has seen the emergence of new methodological per-
spectives due to technological resources and mobile connections (Gómez-Carrasco
et al., 2020). Having a qualified instructor with a high level of digital competence and
technological proficiency is substantial in VET training programmes (Kulyk et al.,
2022; UNESCO-UNEVOC, 2020; Yasak & Alias, 2015; Zabolotska et al., 2021).
In his systematic review related to teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pan-
demic, Vijayan (2021) strongly suggested that future instructor education programmes
should integrate technological pedagogy as many have faced a high learning curve in
giving fundamental classes during the Covid-19 pandemic period. This is supported
by Alonso-García et al., (2019), Garzón-Artacho et al., (2021) and Li et al., (2019),
which found that instructors must undergo hands-on experiences training involving the
acquisition of new technological skills and pedagogical tactics to improve their profes-
sional competency in the educational environment, and thus direct education toward
these sustainability principles.
Early evidence provided by Wardoyo et al. (2021) proves that an improvement in
students learning outcomes can be achieved through a good understanding of technol-
ogy by students, high educator competence and good computer skills. When compared
to practical skills, the implementation of ICT among VET students is more effective
at developing cognitive learning (Yasak & Alias, 2015). However, no correlation has
been found between the cognitive dimension of learning objectives and the level of
knowledge about teaching techniques (Yousef & Sumner, 2021). According to The
Digital Competence Framework, key components of digital competence are identified
in five areas: information literacy; communication and cooperation; creation of digital
content; security; and problem-solving (Alessandro Brolpito, 2018; European Com-
mission, 2022). These conditions place critical demands on VET stakeholders to train
and reskill future and active VET instructors for the ever-evolving technological needs
of teaching and learning.
1.3 Gamification and Game‑Based Learning (GBL)
According to the International Labour Organisation (2020), six digital learning

areas offer great benefits for VET: distance learning and assessment, simulation,
flipped classrooms, gamification, open education (resources) and personalisation.
BlueWeave Consulting reported that the global education gamification mar-
ket reached $697.26 million in 2020 (Blueweave, 2021). By the end of 2027, it is
expected to expand at a CAGR of 29.00 per cent, bringing in revenue of approxi-
mately USD 4.145 billion. The phenomenal expansion of smartphones and mobile
devices has directly resulted in the creation of a massive market for gamification.
Hence, VET Instructors need to improve digital competency from technologies such
as gamification and next-generation digital learning environments (NGDLE) (EDU-
CAUSE, 2017) to motivate and engage students in purposeful learning activities
through the design of the online or situated learning environment (Johnson et al.,
2018; Madimabe & Omodan, 2021; Pittaway & Moss, 2014). NGDLE is envisioned
as an ecosystem of learning tools and components according to common standards
that may be constructed in any way a person or institution desires (EDUCAUSE,
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2017). Game technologies are related to the way digital games can be used to facili-
tate learning, namely game-based learning and gamification.
Gamification is one of several innovative constructivist approaches (Roodt &
Ryklief, 2019) to learning that has gained significant attention in recent years in
a variety of discipline areas, including commerce, employment, health, the envi-
ronment, and most recently, our subject of research, education (Manzano-León
et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021). It is defined as “game-based mechanics, aesthet-
ics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and
solve problems” (Kapp, 2012). Generally, everything incorporated in the crea-
tion of a game is referred to as a "game element" (Man, 2021), and a wide range
of game elements have been used in the design of games. However, Werbach and
Hunter (2012) argue that game elements exist in a hierarchy consisting of com-
ponents, mechanics, and dynamics. They analysed more than a hundred gami-
fication implementations and discovered that a significant proportion of them
incorporated points, badges, and leaderboards (PBL). There is, in fact, evidence
to suggest that when digital game elements such as avatars, points, badges, and
leaderboards are used to achieve specific learning goals and engage students on
emotional, social, and cognitive levels, they are more likely to enjoy the learn-
ing process (Gupta & Goyal, 2022). However, designing successful gamifica-
tion applications in education that influence positive behaviour changes is still
a riddle (Dichev & Dicheva, 2017). For gamification to be effective, individual
game elements must be linked to particular behavioural, motivational, or attitude
results, which must then be related to learning outcomes (M. Ma & Oikonomou,
2017). A failure to establish the connection may result in unsuccessful gamifica-
tion initiatives.
Game-based learning (GBL) is the union of educational learning theories, course
curricula, and digital gameplay with the goal of enhancing the learning experience
(Jayasinghe & Dharmaratne, 2013; Roodt & Ryklief, 2019). The concept of GBL
is fun learning through doing/playing and specifically designed, structured game
learning materials which can stimulate the development of thinking skills and self-
learning among vocational students (Azizan et al., 2021). Serious games are the
most common type of GBL used in education which focuses on the development of
games with specific educational purposes in mind (Anastasiadis et al., 2018; Games
& Carvalho, 2022), leading to increased enthusiasm for gaming and academic per-
formance (Zhonggen, 2019). A serious game is a computer-based program that is
designed for both entertainment and learning purposes by simulating real-world
scenarios (Kapp, 2012) and demonstrates remarkably more effectiveness than non-
serious game-based learning (Zhonggen, 2019). Dimitra et al. (2020) identified
seven main types of GBL approaches implemented in education: (i) memory games,
(ii) simulation games, (iii) interactives, (iv) quiz games, (v) puzzles, (vi) strategy
games and (vii) reality testing games. There is a body of research that has focused
extensively on the overall impacts of GBL, including improved motivation, engage-
ment, satisfaction and academic achievement among vocational education stu-
dents (Arnold et al., 2021; Balakrishnan Nair, 2021; Oliveira et al., 2021; Roodt &
Ryklief, 2019). However, GBL is not widely used in vocational institutions’ practice
(Arnold et al., 2021), and measures are required to enhance the skills and knowledge
13
of VET instructors, illustrate and contextualise the influence of game components in

the classroom, and make suggestions for game features.
Gamification and GBL is an innovative technology which is considered a leading
trend in education. Both technologies may seem similar, but they are two distinct
techniques with multidimensional relationships (Jayasinghe & Dharmaratne, 2013;
Krath et al., 2021). GBL and gamification are different as GBL incorporates games
seamlessly into the educational curriculum to achieve specific learning outcomes.
On the other hand, GBL Gamification involves turning the whole learning process
into a game using game elements, for example, levels, points, badges, leaderboards,
avatars, quests, social graphs, or certificates (Krath et al., 2021). Despite this, the
border between GBL and gamification was rather thin at times, especially when both
have relatively comparable goals. Both GBL and gamification aim to solve a prob-
lem, encourage participants, and increase learning via the use of game-based ideas
and tactics.
There are a variety of publications on gamification and GBL in education and
professional training nowadays. Each publication focuses on certain issues, elements
and technological tools. Saleem et al. (2022), conducted a literature review to deter-
mine the advantages and challenges of gamification applications in e-learning and
indicated that gamification can be a valuable tool for gaining knowledge and can
improve necessary capabilities such as decision-making, cooperation, and commu-
nication. However, gamification in educational activities faces multiple difficulties,
such as technological infrastructure, internet service provision, and the intention
of both students and teachers to use this tool. Behl et al. (2022) used bibliometric
analysis and PRISMA to present an examination of the emerging trends of gamifica-
tion and e-learning for young learners and highlighted the four major future research
themes of personalisation, game elements, learner styles, and learner engagement.
There are reviewed studies that investigate the effect of gamification in certain
fields such as mathematics (Y. Pan et al., 2022), computer science (Willert, 2021)
and economics (Platz, 2022). In fact, companies are also turning to gamification to
make work more meaningful and fun for their employees. Mahat et al. (2022); Tay
et al. (2022) conducted a systematic literature review to examine the influence of
gamification and digital GBL on professional training and upskilling over the past
five to ten years, while Thomas et al. (2022) analysed 34 articles on gamification in
Human Resource and Development and identified four areas where gamification has
been studied: employee learning, task performance, employee wellness, and rising
contexts.
However, the scarcity of research on gamification and GBL in the VET sector
makes it difficult to demonstrate the impact of both techniques (Jayalath & Esichai-
kul, 2020). Therefore, this research will conduct a systematic review of studies on
both gamification and GBL in the VET sector for the last five years. In performing
this review, this study aimed to address the following research questions listed below
to recognise the emerging trends and situations within the area of gamification and
GBL in vocational education during the last five years, as well as to identify the
most effective educational gamification or GBL projects and how to duplicate them
in future research.
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RQ1: What is the distribution of the studies that examine gamification and GBL
for the VET sector from 2018 onwards?
RQ2: What is the educational level where gamification and GBL are most stud-
ied?
RQ3: What are the research techniques used to examine gamification and GBL
for the VET sector?
RQ4: What are the geographical distributions of publication on both methods for
VET programmes worldwide?
RQ5: What is the field of VET research addressed in the study?
RQ6: What are the theories and frameworks discussed in the reviewed studies?
RQ7: What is the game technology mostly used in the reviewed study?
The next section of this paper explains the methodology employed. The third sec-
tion presents the results of the reviewed studies with reference to the research ques-
tions. Finally, practical applications and future research directions are suggested in
the discussion section.
2 Method
This paper presents our systematic literature review performed using the PRISMA
guidelines (Page et al., 2021). We followed the PRISMA standards (Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guided by the
PRISMA 2020 checklist (see Fig. 1) to highlight scientific validity and provide an
unbiased analysis to summarise the evidence on GBL and VET learners. Systematic
reviews are a scientific technique of synthesising all relevant publications and docu-
ments to answer a specific research question with minimal systematic error (Mengist
et al., 2020; Roberts, 2006). It concentrates knowledge on particular subjects and
identifies areas of uncertainty and prospect fields where little or no relevant study
has been conducted, and future additional research is required. The main purpose
of our study was to investigate how far academic research on gamification and GBL
in VET has progressed and to identify gaps suited for future research. In the present
study, the systematic search strategy comprised three major processes: identifica-
tion, screening, and eligibility.
2.1 Identification
This phase consisted of a searching and delivery strategy, which assisted in defin-
ing a suitable search string and identifying relevant databases to compile the studies
to be analysed in the systematic review. The literature search was conducted until
February 2022 using four widely renowned databases: a) Scopus, b) Web of Sci-
ence, c) Science Direct, and d) PubMed, as shown in Table 1. The specific search
strings were developed in accordance with each database’s search logic while pre-
serving the same terminology. A manual search was also performed using similar
keywords on Google Scholar to include citations not included in other databases
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Fig. 1 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for systematic reviews using a template from Page et al. (2021)
which generated an additional ten articles. There is a gap in the academic literature
that includes articles on gamification and GBL in VET. Thus, a total of 1092 articles
were gathered in the first stage of the systematic review process. The results were
then exported to a table in an Excel sheet for the record. After importing the results,
a feature of MS Excel was used to eliminate duplicates automatically. Overall, 97
articles were removed due to duplication, and the remaining 995 articles were then
reviewed in the screening stage.
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1288
13
Table 1 Distribution of retrieved papers among sources and search strings
Database No of Records Search String
Scopus 581 TITLE-ABS-KEY (gamif* OR game*) AND (e-learning) AND (TVET OR vocational OR “Career
and Technical Education” OR “Further Education and Training” OR “Vocational and Technical
Education” OR “Vocational Education and Training” OR “Technical and Vocational Training” OR
“Apprenticeship Training” OR “Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training” OR
“Professional and Technical Training” OR “Education and Training Technical and Professional”)
Web of Science 391 TS = (game* OR gamif*) AND TS = (TVET OR vocational OR “Career and Technical Education” OR
“Further Education and Training” OR “Vocational and Technical Education” OR “Vocational Educa-
tion and Training” OR “Technical and Vocational Training” OR “Apprenticeship Training” OR “Busi-
ness, Technical and Vocational Education and Training” OR “Professional and Technical Training”
OR “Education and Training Technical and Professional”)
Science Direct 68 (Gamification OR game) AND (TVET OR “vocational training” OR “Career and Technical Education”
OR “Vocational and Technical Education” OR “Vocational Education and Training” OR “Technical
and Vocational Training” OR “Further Education and Training”)
PubMed 42 ((gamif*)[Title/Abstract] OR (game*)[Title/Abstract]) AND ((TVET[Title/Abstract] OR vocational
[Title/Abstract] OR “Career and Technical Education”[Title/Abstract] OR “Further Education and
Training”[Title/Abstract] OR “Vocational and Technical Education”[Title/Abstract] OR “Vocational
Education and Training”[Title/Abstract] OR “Technical and Vocational Training”[Title/Abstract] OR
“Apprenticeship Training”[Title/Abstract] OR “Business, Technical and Vocational Education and
Training”[Title/Abstract] OR “Professional and Technical Training”[Title/Abstract] OR “Education
and Training Technical and Professional”[Title/Abstract]))
Google Scholar 10 (gamif* OR game*) AND (“e-learn*”) AND (TVET OR “Technical and Vocational Education and
Training” OR “vocational education” OR “technical education”)
Total 1092
2.2 Screening
The goal of screening is to remove irrelevant articles. The remaining 1628 articles were
reviewed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria determined by the research-
ers (see Table 2). The first phase consisted of the screening of titles and abstracts of the
studies to identify and label the studies as ‘included’ or ‘excluded’ in the table accord-
ing to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Educational technology has rapidly changed
every facet of our society, so to avoid including outdated content in the review process,
the article search was restricted to those which were published between the years 2018
and 2022. This was further validated by earlier literature reviews that concentrated on
five-year review intervals to produce results relevant to the most recent research gaps
(Anil Yasin & Abbas, 2021; Behl et al., 2022; Mahat et al., 2022; Manzano-León et al.,
2021; Rohan et al., 2020). Furthermore, only the documents classified as Article and
Review and limited to documents with full text available published in English-language
studies were included. Moreover, to meet the research objectives, only articles pub-
lished within the scope of gamification, GBL and VET were selected (see Table 1). The
screening process resulted in 378 articles considered for the third stage.
2.3 Eligibility
A systematic review’s third stage is determining eligibility, which necessitates the

researcher to conduct an in-depth manual evaluation of all relevant papers based on the
main topics of the research. Studies were included if they described gamification and
GBL applied to VET. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were independently eval-
uated by three reviewers. A total of 362 articles were omitted from the database due to
their emphasis on general academic education. Several articles were also omitted since
the research articles examined the use of games in a variety of contexts rather than spe-
cifically for learning. To ensure the review of the field’s research is comprehensive, we
have opted to add theoretical works on gamification and GBL in vocational education
too. This resulted in a total of 17 articles available for review in the subsequent stage (see
Fig. 1). However, designing successful gamification apps in education that can sustain
the desired behaviour changes is currently more of a guessing game than a science.
2.4 Data Extraction and Analysis
The remaining 17 articles were examined and analysed to provide answers to the posed
research questions. The abstracts of the studies were examined in detail, followed by in-depth
reading of the entire article to find the most relevant analysis categories. MS Excel was used
to categorise key data elements, such as (1) type of publication; (2) context; (3) location; (4)
field of study; (5) methodology; (6) sample size; (7) theoretical/concept framework; (8) game
design; (9) technology utilised; (10) analysis, and (11) result.
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Table 2 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Criteria Inclusion Exclusion
Timeline 2018–2022 < 2018

Document Type Article and review Conference paper, doctoral
thesis, books, book chapters
and series
Publication Stage Final Article in press
Language English Non-English
3 Result
This section reports the findings of 17 studies published on gamification and GBL
for VET from 2018 to 2022, as systematised in Table 3. This section provides the
answers to the research questions that had been proposed earlier to identify the cur-
rent progress of this study.
3.1 Publication Distribution and Educational Level of the Studies.
The study approach placed a year constraint, requiring only publications pub-
lished after 2018, in order to gather the most recent research on gamification
and GBL for VET programmes. Figure 2 illustrates the evolution of the number
of chosen published papers over time and by educational level. The amount of
research on gamification and GBL in the VET sector has expanded dramati-
cally from 2020 and beyond, demonstrating a rising interest in this strategy for
enhancing student motivation, engagement, satisfaction, and academic success.
Furthermore, this finding implies that the impact of gamification and GBL in
VET is a growing study area. In terms of the distribution of publications by
educational level, as shown in Fig. 3, most of the publications were discovered
to focus on vocational school or college, accounting for 76 per cent of all pub-
lications, followed by 18 per cent for professional training. Only six per cent of
the studies involved samples from both a vocational school/college and a work-
ing professional.
3.2 Research Techniques used to Examine Gamification and GBL for the VET
sector
Scientific research is often divided into two classes: conceptual research and empiri-
cal research. There can be no meaningful research outcomes until there is an idea
driving the collecting of data or "evidence", and without a concept, there can be
no meaningful research results. Unlike theory-based research, empirical research
relies on actual experiments. There are thirteen studies (76%) identified as empirical
research, and four articles (24%) were identified as conceptual research (see Fig. 4).
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Table 3 Reviewed Studies on Game-Based Learning on TVET Sector
No Source Context Theories/ Frameworks Game Data Collection Sample Result
Design
1 Garcia-Iruela et al., Gamified computer Nil Gamified LMS—Moo- Quantitative (result data 37—first year of dual Positive
(2021) systems course using dle with GameMo from system) vocational training
three methodological plug-in students—from high
approaches (teacher- school, from inter-
centred, student- mediate vocational
centred, and mixed) training, from the
for 9 month (3 months university and from
each) throughout a the labour market
program of study
2 Kladchuen and Srisom- Synthesize problem- Nil Using problem-solving Synthesis of documents Synthesis – 29 papers Nil
phan, (2021) based learning skills to complete and research, focus FG – 9 experts
model in conjunction planned missions in group
with the gamifica- the city map activity
tion concept to through the game
enhance high-level application
vocational students’
problems-solving
skills (PBLGPS-LMS
online system)
3 Kummanee et al., Analyse, design, and Nil Design five STEAM Synthesis of documents FG – 7 experts Nil
(2020) evaluate digital Gamification and five and research, focus
learning ecosystem gamification elements group
involving STEAM
gamification to
develop a vocational
innovator
1291
13
Table 3 (continued)
1292

Design
13
4 Wang and Khambari, AR-based gamified interest-driven creator AR mobile technol- in-depth interviews 50 vocational students Positive
(2020) English course in (IDC) theory ogy called Easy AR participated in
vocational college platform to master vocational college of
the English sentence China
expression regarding
the campus building
5 Wang et al., (2021) AR-based gamified interest-driven creator Gamified AR mobile observations, focus 38 students involved, Positive
English course in (IDC) theory application, called group, individual majoring in pre-
vocational college XploreRAFE + + interviews, and docu- school education at
ment analysis vocational college of
China
6 Jayalath et al., (2022) Operational model and self- determination Gamified LMS—Moo- a focus group, pre and undergraduate level— Nil
gamification design theory (SDT), dle LMS with fifteen post-test assessment, control group and the
of blended electronic ARCS Motivational game dynamics, Practical labs session experimental group
circuits course, which Model relevant mechanics, and assessment,
embed motivational and appropriate game online questionnaire
and engagement components
designs in TVET
7 Ma et al., (2021) Effect of theme games Flow theory and Theme game called randomized controlled 104 sophomore nursing Positive
and scenario simula- ICN Framework of “Brave the Wind and study compared students
tions on the disaster Disaster Nursing Wave” played in a pre-test and post-test
nursing competence Competencies simulated training results
of nursing students room
8 Habes et al., (2020) Gamified training on the Nil Video-based gaming explorative pilot study, 290: vocational nursing Positive
geriatric knowledge and storytelling tool combined a pre-test schools /university
of nurses and nursing called Serioussoap.nl post-test quantitative and 44: home-care
students design, with a qualita- organization
tive approach
Table 3 (continued)
Design
9 Wouters and Van Der Investigate whether Felder and Silverman “Zeldenrust”—a Pre-test and post-test 108 participants from Negative
Meulen, (2020) learning styles influ- Learning Styles cartoonlike 2D game and questionnaire 2nd/3rd -year prevo-
ence game-based Model developed in Flash/ cational education
learning for pro- ActionScript 3 that
portional reasoning can be characterized
topic in prevocational as a combination of a
secondary education simulation game and
a role-playing game
10 Tongpaeng et al., Employing the cognitive cognitive load theory 2D learning game right Pre- test and post-test 64 knowledge workers Positive
(2019) theory and interactive after watching the design in front office posi-
media to improve the learning video con- tions from hotels in
learning performance sisted of a PowerPoint Chiang Mai, Thailand
of knowledge workers lesson in an online
who are working in learning system
the tourism industry
11 Balakrishnan Nair, Explore role and ben- gamification theory online quiz games combination of semi- survey: 56 Positive
(2021) efits of game-based structured interviews, interview: 25
learning activities in online questionnaires, undergraduate students
tourism higher educa- and participant obser- majoring in tourism
tion in the context of vation and hospitality
COVID-19-induced
disruptions
1293
13
Table 3 (continued)
1294

Design
13
12 Lerner et al., (2020) VR simulation training Nil EPICSAVE (Enhanced Experimental studies- 18 participating Positive
for emergency medi- Paramedic Vocational cross-sectional, one emergency physi-
cal services person- Training with Serious group pre-test and cians from the Clinic
nel’s a complement to Games and Virtual post-test design of Anaesthesiology
traditional simulation Environments) pro- of the Heidelberg
training ject, a highly immer- University Hospital
sive room-scaled
multi-user 3-dimen-
sional VR simulation
environment
13 Azizan et al., (2021) Game-based learning Nil online game platform, quasi-experiment—pre- 30 Refrigeration and Positive
for vocational students Quizizz. The game test and post-test and Air-Conditioning
in automotive air- design contained sev- questionnaire Technology course
conditioning course eral modules such as students’ vocational
to increase students’ learn, flashcard, quiz, college
motivation and gravity, and match
achievement
14 Roodt and Ryklief, Digital game-based Constructivist theory, “Millionaire Program- Mixed Method—pre- 50 vocational education Positive
(2019) learning on computer ARCS Motivational mer” and developed and post-intervention learners studying
programming con- Model using the web appli- tests and post-inter- computer program-
cepts to improve the cation vention questionnaire ming
academic efficiency
among vocational
education students in
South Africa
Table 3 (continued)
Design
15 Bernal et al., (2022) Power substation Building information Virtual Reality—cave Questionnaire six postgraduate stu- Positive
operational training modelling (BIM) automatic virtual dents of a VR course
by exploring and environment (CAVE) and 16 substation
interacting with real- technicians
istic models in virtual
worlds using serious
games
16 Hämäläinen et al., Create productive Nil Game Bridge: a three- Mixed Method 15 vocational school Positive
(2018) knowledge construc- dimensional (3D) students
tion among players collaborative serious
through collaborative game
game mechanics
17 Glover and Bodzin, Learner-centric design Expectancy-Value Hand Hygiene Serious Mixed Method – sur- non-game-oriented Nil
(2021) of a hand hygiene Theory of Achieve- Simulation Game vey, semi-structured grade 12 female
serious simulation ment Motivation, the (HH-SSG) played interviews CTEEHP students
game for grade 12 Expert Performance within the physical from 6 racially and
emerging health Theory and Self— space of a simulated economically diverse
professional students Determination Theory hospital room north-eastern U.S.
training (SDT) high schools, as well
as the selective CTE
EHP program
1295
13
No of publicaons 8
6
4
2
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
Vocaonal school/college Profesional training Both
Fig. 2 Number of selected published articles per year/education level
3.3 Geographic Distribution of Scientific Contribution
The geographical distributions of the data sources for reviewed publications are
shown in Fig. 5. Research on gamification and GBL for VET has been conducted
the most in Asian countries (53%, N = 9), followed by European (29%, N = 5), South
American (6%, N = 1), North American (6%, N = 1) and African (6%, N = 1). Sur-
prisingly, no study has been conducted in Oceania. Thailand was the top country
in Asia for publishing research in the context of gamification and GBL for VET
(N = 4), followed by China (N = 3) and the Netherlands (N = 2). Ireland, South
Korea, Germany, Malaysia, South Africa, Columbia, Finland, and the United States
contributed to the literature with one study each.
Fig. 3 Percentage of publica-

tions distribution according to
educational level
Vocaonal Professional
School/College Training
76% 18%
Apply to both
6%
13
Fig. 4 Scientific research type Concept

of reviewed studies
24%
Empirical
76%
South America, 6% North America, 6%
Africa, 6% Europe
29%
Asia
53%
Fig. 5 Continents and countries distributions of Gamification and GBL for VET publications
3.4 Field of Research on Gamification and GBL for VET
Notably, the data indicated (see Fig. 6) that the most often published articles on
gamified vocational education and training (29%, N = 5) are in the fields of com-
puter (N = 2), electrical (N = 1), electronic (N = 1) and automotive and air condition-
ing courses (N = 1), which are categorised as engineering. Nursing and medical-
related studies, which are classified as healthcare, are the second-largest category
(24%, N = 4), followed by general subjects (18%, N = 3), where English and Math-
ematics courses were placed. Studies in food service and tourism are in separate
categories. Tourism and all other categories published 12% (N = 2) of the articles
on gamified vocational education and training. All categories encompassed studies
with an unspecified field, where the gamified activities can cover a wide range of
professions. The least frequent domain (6%, N = 1) was food service. Considering
the above findings, it is possible to verify that gamification and GBL strategies are
applied to a broad range of fields and skills.
13
Percentage of publicaons
Engineering
Healthcare
Field of Study
General Subject
Tourism
All
Food Service
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Fig. 6 Distribution of the examined studies across the various training sectors
3.5 Theoretical Foundations or Frameworks of the Reviewed Studies
The lack of theoretical frameworks in practical studies contributes to ineffective

measurement (Behl et al., 2022; Roodt & Ryklief, 2019). After synthesising some
literature reviews of predecessors, this research found that there is relevant theoreti-
cal support for gamification and GBL for the VET sector. The summary of the theo-
ries is presented in Table 4. The present literature builds upon ten theoretical per-
spectives and instructional design models to promote gamification and GBL in the
Table 4 Theoretical Foundation or Framework Employed in the Reviewed Studies

Theoretical Frameworks Studies
Interest-Driven Creator Theory (IDC) Wang and Khambari, (2020); Wang et al., (2021)
ARCS Theory of Motivation Jayalath et al., (2022); Roodt and Ryklief, (2019)
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) Glover and Bodzin, (2021)
Engagement Theory Jayalath et al., (2022
Flow Theory Ma et al., (2021)
ICN Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies Ma et al., (2021)
Felder and Silverman Learning Styles Model Wouters and Van Der Meulen, (2020)
Cognitive Load Theory (Tongpaeng et al., 2019)
Gamification Theory (Balakrishnan Nair, 2021)
Constructivist Theory Roodt and Ryklief, (2019)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Bernal et al., (2022)
Expectancy-Value Theory of Achievement Motivation Glover and Bodzin, (2021)
The Expert Performance Theory Glover and Bodzin, (2021)
13
VET sector. More than half of the studies (59%), as shown in Fig. 7, discussed their
studies from theoretical perspectives and/or were guided by frameworks. Fewer than
half of the reviewed studies (41%) did not discuss any theoretical foundations or
frameworks, although most reported a positive impact on motivation, engagement,
and training performance. Interest-Driven Creator Theory (IDC), Self- Determina-
tion Theory (SDT) and ARCS Theory of Motivation were the most common the-
ories found in the reviewed studies (N = 2). Sometimes multiple frameworks were
integrated into the reviewed studies.
For instance, the article by Jayalath et al. (2022) used the ARCS theory of moti-
vation and engagement to design the operational model and gamification design of
a blended electronic circuit course using gamified LMS in TVET. Similarly, a ran-
domised controlled study by Ma et al. (2021) compared the effect of theme games
and scenario simulations on the disaster nursing competence of nursing students,
and used flow theory combined with the ICN framework of disaster nursing com-
petencies as the guiding theoretical framework. Constructivism is probably the
learning theory that offers propositions closest to gamification and GBL. Roodt and
Ryklief (2019) chose the constructivism approach and configured a digital game
application called “Millionaire Programmer” to match the motivational recommen-
dations outlined in the ARCS Model. Glover and Bodzin (2021) developed a Hand
Hygiene Serious Simulation Game (HH-SSG) for health professional clinical edu-
cation by combining multiple theoretical frameworks: Expectancy-Value Theory
of Achievement Motivation, Expert Performance Theory, and Self-Determination
Theory; and frameworks developed through previous simulation-based learning and
serious games research for first cycle coding analysis.
3.6 Game Techniques
Several combinations of technology are used during the application of gamifica-

tion and GBL for the VET sector. From the reviewed literature, the author identi-
fied five game technologies used, as shown in Table 5. Three studies (Garcia-Iruela
et al., (2021); Jayalath et al., (2022); Tongpaeng et al., (2019)) employed the Moo-
dle application, which can support MOOC as their learning management system to
deliver online courses, while two studies (Kladchuen and Srisomphan, (2021); Kum-
manee et al., (2020)) designed a problem-based learning model which consisted of
a digital learning platform in the early design stage. Four studies used an enriched
Fig. 7 Total reviewed studies Without

incorporating theoretical foun- Theory/Framework
dations/frameworks 41%
With
Theory/Framework
59%
13
1300
13
Table 5 Technology Employed in the Reviewed Studies
No Game Techniques Studies
1 Gamified Learning Management System / Massive Garcia-Iruela et al., (2021); Kladchuen and Srisomphan, (2021); Kummanee et al., (2020); Jayalath et al.,
Open Online Course (LMS/MOOC) (2022); Tongpaeng et al., (2019)
2 Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Wang and Khambari, (2020); Wang et al., (2021); Lerner et al., (2020); Bernal et al., (2022)
3 Role Play and Simulation Ma et al., (2021); Glover and Bodzin, (2021); Wouters and Van Der Meulen, (2020); Hämäläinen et al.,
(2018)
4 Browser Games Balakrishnan Nair, (2021); Azizan et al., (2021); Roodt and Ryklief, (2019);
5 Interactive Media Habes et al., (2020);
experience in the real world and virtual settings in their educational delivery. In
two studies (Wang and Khambari, (2020); Wang et al., (2021)), AR technology that
combines virtual information with the real world to teach English was used. Another
two studies (Lerner et al., (2020); Bernal et al., (2022)) developed serious games
using VR and Immersive VR (IVR) technology for professional training in medical
centres and power substations.
Four studies were categorised under roleplay and simulation technology. Three
studies developed a serious simulation game: (1) Ma et al. (2021) developed a theme
game for nursing students called “Brave the Wind and Wave” played in a simulated
training room; (2) Glover and Bodzin (2021) developed the “Hand Hygiene Serious
Simulation Game (HH-SSG)” for healthcare programme training played in a simu-
lated hospital environment; (3) Hämäläinen et al., (2018) developed a virtual 3D
serious game dubbed "Game Bridge" that utilises collaborative game mechanics to
promote constructive knowledge production among vocational students. In a differ-
ent method, Wouters and Van Der Meulen’s (2020) studies used a cartoonlike 2D
game called “Zeldenrust”, which can also be characterised as a combination of a
simulation game and a role-playing game.
A study by Habes et al. (2020) was classified as interactive media. The authors
built an interactive video-based game and narrative experience called "Serioussoap.
nl" in collaboration with two young, well-known Dutch soap opera actors in order to
better understand the influence of geriatric information on home care nurses or nurs-
ing students. (Azizan et al., 2021; Balakrishnan Nair, 2021) They used online quiz-
zes as GBL learning activities in tourism, automotive, and air-conditioning courses,
whereas Roodt and Ryklief (2019) used a web application called "Millionaire Pro-
grammer" to teach and assess students’ knowledge of computer programming.
Figure 8 illustrates the technology used in the reviewed studies. The major-
ity of the research made use of LMS/MOOC-based gamification (29%). AR/VR,
role-playing games, and simulation technology each contributed about 25% of the
approaches used in the study of literature. Browser games technology employed 18%
Interacve
Browser Media, 1, 6% LMS/MOOC, 5,
Games, 3, 18% 29%
Role Play and

Simulaon, 4,
24% AR/VR, 4, 23%
Fig. 8 Percentage of technology employed in reviews studies
13
of the reviewed literature. The least-used technology was interactive media, which
contributed to 6% of the study.
4 Discussion
The movement from traditional to digital learning has increased significantly in

21st-century education. Traditional learning methods are being enhanced with agile,
collaborative, and technology-based education. Gamification and game-based learn-
ing in vocational education is a growing trend that involves introducing game design
aspects into educational environments to increase learners’ motivation and engage-
ment. The reviewed studies provide evidence to indicate that gamification and game-
based learning has a promising future in vocational education and training. The sys-
tematic review identified 17 journal articles from different countries with different
contexts and technology.
4.1 Publication Distributions in Time and Educational Level of the Studies
With reference to the distribution of publications on gamification and GBL for VET,
the reported findings indicate that since 2020, gamification and GBL in vocational
education and training have been a vibrant and rapidly rising topic of study, with
an ever-increasing level of interest. We can see a surge in the number of publica-
tions between 2019 towards 2020 and onwards. This is probably because most of
the current evidence supports the use of gamification and game-based learning as a
powerful tool for improving and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in
vocational education due to the difficulties and disadvantages of conventional class-
room instruction (Chan & Lo, 2022; Gupta & Goyal, 2022; Rodrigues et al., 2022).
In addition, a growing number of vocational institutions including community col-
leges, polytechnical institutes, apprenticeship institutes, and vocational training
schools are striving to expand their reach beyond geographical and social barriers
where modern game-based learning platforms are specifically designed to suit all
types of learning environments and provide students with access to the most favour-
able educational and job opportunities (The World Bank Group, 2021).
Competency-based education (CBE) is developing as a viable approach for edu-
cating students for global competence. However, the emergence of educational
gamification approaches in the sector of vocational education was slower than in the
academic field, where the topic of gamification has blossomed and expanded dra-
matically since 2013, with hundreds of relevant papers released each year (Charlo
et al., 2022). The reason for this may be due to the fact that instructors in voca-
tional institutions are only moderately prepared to use the gamification approach
due to their lack of experience and time in developing gamification-based applica-
tions and preparing teaching and learning materials, and their lack of knowledge of
ICT (Omar et al., 2022). Hence, it is crucial for TVET instructors to have the peda-
gogical competence to match training with the used modality. Skilled instructors/
trainers are essential for assuring quality and sustaining training standards, which
13
improve the employability of students. The graph shows a reduction during the final
year (2022), but since many publications are still in the process of indexation in the
databases, it cannot be said that interest in the topic has already passed its peak.
In support of this, O’Neill (2022) reported that game-based learning and education
have been predicted to generate revenue of more than USD24 million by 2024. This
demonstrates that gamification and GBL are useful delivery strategies for vocational
training and upskilling, and their use is expected to increase.
Considering the educational level, the most significant number of studies in the
survey period were conducted at vocational schools or colleges (13 papers), with
less attention to professional training (3 papers). Only one research makes use of
both sample populations. A possible explanation for this disproportion is that there
are a large variety of accessible game-based platforms and applications on the web
market that integrates different engagement elements, making them easier for voca-
tional educators to explore/experiment with their learners. With the advent of the
internet, mobile applications, and gamification, educational activities have evolved
into e-learning to facilitate learning and make it an entertaining experience. Some of
the most popular gamified apps in the educational sector are Gimkit, BookWidgets,
Edmodo, iSpring, Scratch, Kahoot, Quizlet, Plickers, Genially, Articulate 360, H5P,
Thinglink and many more. While there are over thousands of educational web apps
available, choosing the right ones for students will make them enjoy learning. To
achieve this, the instructor must be technologically savvy or possess the requisite
computer-related abilities to apply the GBL. However, there is a lack of comprehen-
sive research devoted to the development of TVET instructors’ digital competence
in using a range of educational technologies, particularly gamification and GBL, in
professional activities, which allow contributions to the formation of professional
competencies among students. Thus, further research on developing the digital
competence of TVET instructors in various educational technologies by employing
hands-on professional training, particularly in using gamification and GBL in pro-
fessional activities, is necessary.
It can be acknowledged that studies including diverse demographic groups are
helpful, as we cannot always generalise the results of research involving one demo-
graphic group to another. In the literature review on gamification prospects in indus-
try 4.0, Reis et al. (2020) assume that the possibility of research limits for profes-
sional training is attributable to the fact that many firms do not transfer the outcomes
of adopting gamification into the scientific database. This suggestion is backed up
by the Gartner analysis, indicating that more than 70 per cent of the Global 2000
organisations have already used gamification (Softek, 2017). However, it remains
unclear if most of the firm’s emphasis on professional training is connected to the
TVET industry. Based on a review study by Mahat et al. (2022), education is not the
most common field for gamification in professional training, since research on gami-
fication in education has mostly focused on students and adults rather than instruc-
tors. Nevertheless, since the primary objective of vocational education is to prepare
graduates for employment, it must include specialised training that tends to be crea-
tive-reproductive in accordance with industry requirements. In addition, it is essen-
tial to determine TVET instructors’ perceptions, readiness, and competence skills
to embrace the gamification and GBL strategy. Therefore, future research agendas
13
should prioritise the development of additional empirical studies that confirm gami-
fication and GBL’s usefulness for professional training in the vocational education
sector, and this should include educating TVET instructors by providing them with
hands-on gamified professional training experience.
4.2 Research Techniques and Countries Distributions
From the reviewed articles, 13 studies (76%) were identified as empirical research,
and four articles (24%) were identified as conceptual research (see Fig. 4). Since
gamification and GBL are relatively new concepts in the VET sector, the amount of
research is very limited, especially in experimental studies. Two conceptual research
(Kladchuen and Srisomphan, (2021); Kummanee et al., (2020) synthesis of previ-
ous research documents constructed a problem-based learning management model
in connection with the gamification technology in a digital learning environment to
produce a vocational innovator. Meanwhile, Jayalath et al. (2022) presented a thor-
ough design and operational model for gamified blended learning courses in TVET
with the goal of increasing motivation and participation. Additionally, Glover and
Bodzin (2021) reported a learner-centric design of a hand hygiene simulation game
built for non-game-oriented grade 12 female CTE EHP students based on the results
of two learner studies. Future empirical studies on gamification and GBL in the
TVET sector should therefore be conducted to generate more results.
The presented results indicate that the Asian continent contributed the most pub-
lications on gamification and GBL for VET (53%, N = 9). Although Thailand leads
the research, it is not dominated by a single country or group of countries, as pub-
lished works in the research area are extremely limited, and only three countries
(Thailand, China, and the Netherlands) contributed slightly more studies than the
remaining thirteen countries. However, this finding is consistent with the gami-
fication education market report, which indicates that Asia–Pacific is predicted to
develop at the highest pace during the forecast period, owing to increased educa-
tion sector investments in countries, which is boosting the worldwide education
gamification market in APAC nations (Market Data, 2022). This region’s fast-rising
economies are also focused on closing the skilled labour supply–demand imbalance,
where several initiatives are being developed to boost technical sector VET and
enhance discretionary income (Meticulous Market Research, 2022). It is anticipated
that these actions would enhance vocational education and expand market prospects
for major firms in this region.
The worldwide education gamification market is classified geographically into
North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia–Pacific, the Middle East and Africa,
and the rest of the globe. North America accounted for nearly 37% share of the
global gamification in the education market in 2018 and is expected to dominate
the market throughout the forecast period (Market Data, 2022). Technavio analysts
forecast the technical and vocational education (TVE) market in North America to
grow at a CAGR of 4.13% during the period 2016–2020 (Technavio, 2016). How-
ever, North America contributed only one publication on the reviewed studies. This
is probably because the importance is given to the region’s widespread availability
13
and penetration of digital services rather than publications on journal databases. It

would be useful to investigate how developed countries embraced gamification and
GBL in their vocational education sector, especially in the technology innovation of
The Industrial 4.0 revolution. As a result, future research on gamification and GBL in
the TVET sector should be undertaken across cultures more extensively, as various
organisations and geographical regions may provide different findings.
4.3 Field of Study
The collection of papers is divided into five sections and covers a wide variety of occu-
pational fields. Gamification and GBL can be applied in any industry, yet the engineer-
ing field seems to generate the most articles on gamification and GBL in VET. This is
likely because the diverse range of engineering field courses includes subjects that are
more closely related to technical abilities. In the literature review on the role of gamifica-
tion in engineering education, Anil Yasin and Abbas (2021) indicated that gamification
strategy using electronic-based gamification tools or digital gamification is more effec-
tive and an improvement over traditional teaching methods. However, most engineering
disciplines require a minimum of seven years of formal study to achieve an average level
of technical proficiency, while a vocational type of education is designed to produce
“job-ready” industrial workers at all levels from entry to management. In a professional
setting, students learn how to apply their knowledge in a real-world context, allowing
them to step immediately into the workforce and begin their careers.
Gamification in healthcare, too, is gaining momentum as the industry is experienc-
ing challenges that have prompted medical institutions worldwide to adopt modern
technologies and become more user-centric to better cope with stakeholders’ increas-
ing demands and needs. Three studies on healthcare (Ma et al., (2021); Lerner et al.,
(2020); Glover and Bodzin, (2021)) used serious simulation game training to enhance
the quality of healthcare training, while one study by Habes et al., (2020), conducted
an explorative pilot study to examine the effect of developed gamified video storytell-
ing on the geriatric knowledge of nursing students and home-care nurses. Another
interesting observation is the use of GBL in general subjects (English and Mathe-
matics) on vocational education learners (Wang and Khambari, (2020); Wang et al.,
(2021); Wouters and Van Der Meulen, (2020)). Additionally, this positive finding will
assist with the overcoming of numerous obstacles during this learning process since
most vocational learners are more competent in practical learning. The food service
and tourism industry is a service industry which emphasises experiences co-created
by customers or tourists and service providers very much. From the reviewed litera-
ture (Hämäläinen et al., (2018); Tongpaeng et al., (2019); Balakrishnan Nair, (2021)),
it can be concluded that the food and tourism industry may also employ gamification
and GBL as an external marketing, sales, and customer engagement tool, as well as
an internal training and productivity tool (Pasca et al., 2021; Xu, 2013). Nonetheless,
only a small number of researchers have investigated these topics in the TVET sec-
tor, although vocational education is a lifelong education comprised of a wide variety
of fields that focus on developing the skills of adults and responding to the labour-
market needs of the economy. Therefore, additional studies should be performed to
13
examine the applicability of gamification and GBL in diverse domains of vocational

education and to determine their effectiveness.
4.4 Theoretical Framework
This systematic literature review showed that studies on gamification and GBL for
VET have so far used a variety of 12 different theories. Over half of the assessed
studies employed at least one theoretical framework as a guide. Table 4 outlines
all the theories mentioned in the analysed reviews, together with the total number
of primary research studies conducted based on each theory. In scientific research,
gamification or GBL design may be described using several theoretical foundations,
including motivation, behaviour, or learning theories (L. Pan et al., 2021). The most
recognised quality of gamification and GBL is their motivating value. Most of the
studies evaluated are concerned with motivational effect, including ARCS theory
of motivation, expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation, flow theory and
self-determination theory. Engagement theory, interest-driven creator theory, Felder
and Silverman’s learning styles model and expert performance theory describe the
determinants of behavioural outcomes, while constructivist theory and cognitive load
theory are theoretical foundations that deal with the processes of learning. The ICN
framework of disaster nursing competencies and building information modelling pro-
pose guidelines for system design. The majority of the theoretical foundations exam-
ined in the research effectively demonstrated a beneficial effect on vocational learn-
ing through gamification and GBL. However, there is minimal consistency regarding
theoretical foundations and the scope of gamification (Seaborn & Fels, 2015).
4.5 Game Techniques
Emerging technology can help instructors better apply gamification and GBL in the
information age. Various combinations of gamification and GBL technology in voca-
tional education and training were also identified, including the use of technological
advancements in education 4.0 such as big data analytics, augmented reality (AR) /vir-
tual reality (VR), cloud computing and simulation (Halili, 2019). Although the major-
ity of the literature review (N = 5, 29%) made use of gamified LMS/MOOC technol-
ogy, three studies (Jayalath et al., 2022; Kladchuen & Srisomphan, 2021; Kummanee
et al., 2020) consist of theoretical papers with no empirical data supporting the pro-
posed design of educational learning environment system. More studies on how LMS/
MOOCs will evolve in the VET sector seem to be an interesting subject of research.
4.5.1 Learning Management System (LMS)/Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of online learning management systems
based on MOOCs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic period. However,
there are also well-known downsides of MOOCs, such as a lack of student motivation,
13
student involvement, and high dropout rates that call the effectiveness of MOOCs
into question (Rohan et al., 2020; Seaborn & Fels, 2015). Some LMS/MOOCs just
imitate traditional teaching methods by including multimedia features like video lec-
tures in their courses. Others go a step further, seeking to maintain the interest of the
exceptionally high number of course participants by combining modern technology
with educational paradigms. Gamified LMS/MOOCs can raise the motivation of par-
ticipants to handle the challenge tasks with game mechanics, game dynamics, and
components and impact higher involvement, improve user experience, and ensure the
loyalty of students, which may lead to a bigger number of proactive participants. A
systematic review conducted by Muangsrinoon & Boonbrahm (2019) proves the wide
variety of game elements, retrieving a total of fifteen terms of game elements from
twenty-two selected papers that were screened from a total of eighty-two documents.
However, only a few terms are commonly used: points, feedback, levels, leader boards,
challenges, badges, avatars, competition, and cooperation. From the author’s search of
the literature, four studies (Garcia-Iruela et al., 2021; Jayalath et al., 2022; Kladchuen
& Srisomphan, 2021; Kummanee et al., 2020) included several game elements such
as points, badges, levels, leader boards, blocked content, time limit, trophies, virtual
goods and spaces feedback and progress bar in the LMS/MOOC to motivate students,
increase participation, embark high interest in learning and improve satisfaction.
LMS/MOOC systems often come equipped with a selection of built-in social tools
for gamification purposes. For example, Jusas et al. (2022) implemented an Object-Ori-
ented Programming (OOP) course in a Moodle platform, where two additional plugins
(H5P and Level up) for experience points and interactive content were employed. Four
gamification elements (XP points, interactive content, local team, and global team),
which motivate the different students’ needs, were introduced into the OOP course.
Similar work was also carried out by Garcia-Iruela et al. (2021), which utilised the
GameMo plug-in that expands Moodle’s capabilities. She investigated three differ-
ent research methodologies (teacher-centred, student-centred, and mixed approach) to
address the issue of low student motivation over three different time periods and discov-
ered that only the teacher-centred and mixed approach produced a positive result. This
finding demonstrates that a problem-based learning approach in gamification design
increase student engagement and the influence of gamification is context-dependent
indicating that future research should focus on LMS/MOOC. Evidence from another
reviewed study (Tongpaeng et al., 2019) suggested that implementation of shorter
learning videos (below six minutes) and interactive media increased not only engage-
ment, but also the learner’s achievement in MOOCs. It should also be noted here that to
increase students’ satisfaction and solve the high dropout problem in the online learning
management system, or MOOCs, educational institutions, educational system design-
ers, and instructors should design learner-centred gamification mechanisms that take
students’ learning requirements into consideration (Cheng, 2021).
4.5.2 Immersive Reality
The broad and rapid adoption of wireless networks and mobile devices has lowered
the barrier to entry for new technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual
13
Reality (VR) and brought major benefits to technologically supported education. Two
studies (Wang & Khambari, 2020; Wang et al., 2021) using AR mobile application
technology for English learning aimed at vocational college students from China. This
is not surprising given that China has entered the big data, network, and intelligent
age known as China Education 2025, which focuses on the Industry 4.0 model (WU
& SUN, 2017). Both studies indicate an increase in interest, motivation, and engage-
ment because of the immersive setting and meaningful experience gained during the
learning process. Additionally, students describe positive relationships and high inter-
actions that occur throughout the educational process.
Another two studies (Bernal et al., 2022; Lerner et al., 2020) used VR and Immer-
sive VR technology in a serious game design for professional training and are from
Germany and Columbia. Both studies revealed a favourable effect with a strong sense
of immersion and game flow during the session, as well as a positive influence on
training effectiveness and training execution quality. Our most intriguing finding is
that both VR studies used different strategies to achieve the total immersion experi-
ence and collaborative learning in the virtual world. A study by Lerner et al., (2020)
used a set of head-mounted displays (HMD) while Bernal et al. (2022) used an immer-
sive virtualisation system called the cave automatic virtual environment, a virtual real-
ity room-sized environment where a user would be experiencing VR by the use of
LCD shutter glasses. It was found that using IVR can reduce the limitations of virtual
reality headsets for collaborative learning and produce higher learning gains compared
to textbook study (de Back et al., 2020).
4.5.3 Serious Game Simulations
A serious game is a computer-based program that is designed for both entertainment

and learning purposes by simulating real-world scenarios (Kapp, 2012). It has been
experimentally demonstrated that games are indeed a learning method to enhance
competency and generate innovative, collaborative learning that emerges from
interactive, constructivist, cooperative, and improvisational educational techniques
(Hämäläinen et al., 2018; D. Ma et al., 2021). However, a study on the influence of
learning style (Wouters & Van Der Meulen, 2020) on games produced a null effect
on motivation. Despite this, most of the current evidence supports the use of serious
games in educational learning (Barbieri et al., 2021; Glover & Bodzin, 2021), and
this includes the development of social and professional skills for people with intel-
lectual disabilities (von Barnekow et al., 2017).
4.5.4 Interactive Media and Browser Games
Daily technology advances and inventions are rapidly being ingrained in our culture.
The word "interactive media" refers to media that enables active engagement on the
part of the recipient, thus the term "interactivity"(Shahzad & Khan, 2009). Accord-
ing to Habes et al. (2020), adopting interactive media technology boosted knowledge
acquisition, meaningful experience, and learning impact for nursing students and
home care nurses. In support of this, it has been shown (Nacional et al., 2021) that
13
the usage of Digital Storytelling in conjunction with stop-motion animation techniques

has been a beneficial educational and innovative experience. Alternatively, two studies
(Azizan et al., 2021; Balakrishnan Nair, 2021) found that the use of online quizzes in
GBL increased students’ achievement, engagement and motivation while also stimulat-
ing their cognitive abilities and adding value to the learning experience. Additionally,
outcomes promote diversity in education and the development of employable skills.
Finally, the use of a browser game in the reviewed study increased both motivation and
academic accomplishment.
A substantial amount of research has proved the benefits of using gamification in
education at the university, high school, and even secondary school levels, but there
has been relatively little focus in the literature on vocational education and training
(VET). Based on available data, these results have led to high levels of agreement
that gamification and GBL enhance good quality and effectiveness of vocational
education and training. However, the beneficial effects of gamification and GBL in
education also highlight the necessity of instructors’ professional development com-
petence building. Instructors must possess knowledge as well as gaming experience,
creativity, and resilience, in order to use gamification and game-based learning appli-
cations (Araújo & Carvalho, 2022) in an educational environment. It is important for
VET instructors to be ready and digitally competent to meet the needs and challenges
of today’s society by taking into consideration developing trends that are presently
present in professional settings and will be present in the future. To address this issue,
future research in this area should concentrate on the creation of further empirical
studies on the digital pedagogy training model for TVET instructors utilising a range
of emerging technologies to evaluate the efficacy of gamification and GBL in voca-
tional education. It is possible that future studies may compare the data analysis from
pre- and post-tests with the integration of various game elements and developed tech-
nology for experiments into instruction to determine the most appropriate technologi-
cal pedagogy and game techniques that can be applied in the teaching and learning
environment to increase students’ active engagement and motivation. It is important
for educational institutions, system designers, and instructors to design learner-cen-
tred gamification mechanisms that consider student learning requirements and learn
from developed countries that have implemented GBL and GBL in their vocational
education sector, especially in the Industrial 4.0 revolution.
5 Limitations
This study examined only conceptual and experimental academic studies conducted in
selected databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect) and a few
from Google Scholar, excluding grey literature and book chapters. The language restric-
tion is included, as the papers analysed were in English only, necessitating the exclusion
of other publications that may have been included in the study. As a result, there was a
possibility of publication bias impairing the systematic review’s validity. However, the
number of publications in languages other than English is extremely low (< 5), and it
was not analysed to determine if it might be included in the database. The number of arti-
cles reviewed is limited, which raises concerns about the review results’ generalisability.
13
However, this evinces the need for developing more gamified experiences in this scope
of training. On the other hand, research also indicates that an individual’s experience
with gamification may vary on the specific characteristics of users, situational relevance
and possible contextual factors (Finckenhagen, 2015; Smiderle et al., 2020). There is no
one-size-fits-all approach to gamifying learning. However, this study determines some
implications of gamification and GBL as an active methodology, bringing together sev-
eral experiences in a variety of fields.
6 Conclusion
The primary goal of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the phenom-
ena of gamification and game-based learning in vocational education. While this new
field of study is still in its infancy, it offers an exciting future. Gamification and game-
based learning may be utilised as effective teaching and learning strategies to meet
the requirements of 21st-century education. After the systematic literature review,
it has been established that the use of gamification and game-based learning in the
VET sector has been beneficial at different educational levels, from school or college
to professional training. We discovered that, from 2020 forward, vocational institu-
tions in Asia, particularly Thailand, have published the greatest number of studies
on the topic. We also found that the engineering field produces the most articles on
gamification and GBL in vocational education and training, followed by healthcare
disciplines. From the discussion above, it is apparent that gamification and GBL tech-
nology include a wide variety of up-and-coming technologies, such as learning man-
agement systems (LMS) and massive open online courses (MOOC), immersive real-
ity, serious game simulations, interactive media, and browser games. This means that
the direction and pedagogy of the curricula, courses, and programmes must continue
to adapt to meet the expanding needs of the digital economy. However, no precise
objective has been set for how many vocational instructors have completely embraced
the use of digital tools and technology in teaching, learning, and administrative work,
as well as the related consequences. There is still a significant digital skills gap among
vocational instructors, which impedes the pace of digital transformation in Malaysia,
suggesting that all VET instructors must complete the technological pedagogy train-
ing programme to be competent in equipping students with the digital skills required
by growth industries, well before the Covid-19 era.
The systematic study revealed various advantages of using gamified learning
in vocational learners, including increased motivation, engagement, and academic
accomplishment. Gamification and GBL might have a significant impact on the
future of vocational education and training since they minimise the possibility of
making mistakes. They may serve as a safe introduction to various dangerous occu-
pational fields where failure is not an issue, in fact, it is anticipated while learn-
ing in a game. Although peer-reviewed research on gamification and game-based
learning for vocational education found good benefits, journals in this field are
scarce, and insights into the link between learners’ educational game strategies and
the outcomes of these learning strategies are still insufficient. However, this study
13
examined only conceptual and experimental academic studies conducted in selected

databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and a few from Google
Scholar), excluding grey literature and book chapters. Future studies should take
into consideration data sources from other databases or grey literature, such as con-
ference papers and other publications.
Data availability The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article.
Declarations
The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
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Education and Information Technologies (2024) 29:1279–1317

Gamification and Game Based Learning for Vocational

Fazlida Dahalan1 · Norlidah Alias1 · Mohd Shahril Nizam Shaharom1

Keywords Game-based learning · Gamification · TVET · Instructor · Systematic

uncertainty. Malaysia’s government, without exception, promptly implemented a

1.1 Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) encompasses formal, non-formal, and

competitive in a globalised world (OECD, 2019). Technical and vocational edu-

1.2 Instructor Digital Competence

Digital competencies empower instructors to maximise digital technologies’ potential.

1.3 Gamification and Game‑Based Learning (GBL)

According to the International Labour Organisation (2020), six digital learning

of VET instructors, illustrate and contextualise the influence of game components in

A systematic review’s third stage is determining eligibility, which necessitates the

2.4 Data Extraction and Analysis

Table 2 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Timeline 2018–2022 < 2018

3.1 Publication Distribution and Educational Level of the Studies.

No Source Context Theories/ Frameworks Game Data Collection Sample Result

No Source Context Theories/ Frameworks Game Data Collection Sample Result

Vocaonal school/college Profesional training Both

Fig. 2 Number of selected published articles per year/education level

3.3 Geographic Distribution of Scientific Contribution

Fig. 3 Percentage of publica-

Fig. 4 Scientific research type Concept

South America, 6% North America, 6%

3.4 Field of Research on Gamification and GBL for VET

3.5 Theoretical Foundations or Frameworks of the Reviewed Studies

The lack of theoretical frameworks in practical studies contributes to ineffective

Table 4 Theoretical Foundation or Framework Employed in the Reviewed Studies

Several combinations of technology are used during the application of gamifica-

Fig. 7 Total reviewed studies Without

Role Play and

The movement from traditional to digital learning has increased significantly in

4.1 Publication Distributions in Time and Educational Level of the Studies

4.2 Research Techniques and Countries Distributions

and penetration of digital services rather than publications on journal databases. It

examine the applicability of gamification and GBL in diverse domains of vocational

4.5.1 Learning Management System (LMS)/Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)

4.5.3 Serious Game Simulations

A serious game is a computer-based program that is designed for both entertainment

4.5.4 Interactive Media and Browser Games

the usage of Digital Storytelling in conjunction with stop-motion animation techniques

examined only conceptual and experimental academic studies conducted in selected

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1.1 Vocational Education and Training (VET)

1.2 Instructor Digital Competence

1.3 Gamification and Game‑Based Learning (GBL)

2.4 Data Extraction and Analysis

3.1 Publication Distribution and Educational Level of the Studies.

Vocaonal school/college Profesional training Both

3.3 Geographic Distribution of Scientific Contribution

3.4 Field of Research on Gamification and GBL for VET

3.5 Theoretical Foundations or Frameworks of the Reviewed Studies

4.1 Publication Distributions in Time and Educational Level of the Studies

4.2 Research Techniques and Countries Distributions

4.5.1 Learning Management System (LMS)/Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)

4.5.3 Serious Game Simulations

4.5.4 Interactive Media and Browser Games