Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education

Amani Khalaf Hamdan Alghamdi; Shakil Ahmed; Safiqur Rahaman

doi:10.30935/cedtech/17953

Amani Khalaf Hamdan Alghamdi ¹ ^* , Shakil Ahmed ¹, Safiqur Rahaman ²

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CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 18, Issue 1, Article No: ep632

https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Submitted: 05 October 2025, Published Online: 19 February 2026

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Abstract

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was used to discern the impact and trends of gamification and game-based learning (GBL) in teacher training and education. Examining scholarly output from 2005 to 2024 (610 papers, 1,821 authors, and 4,461 citations) revealed key trends, prolific authors, influential publications and venues, and emerging research areas. The study assessed the growth of publications, frequency of keywords, and geographical distribution of research. Results reveal significant growth in gamification and GBL research with a notable increase in 2024, marked by 68 publications (a 3,300% increase from 2005), and a focus on gamification, GBL, motivation, and engagement as keywords. Most research originated from Spain, the USA, and Italy. Four universities generated most (40%) of the scholarship. Two authors stand out with 82 citations each and a remarkable average of 20.50 citations per publication. Francesca Pozzi was the most prolific author with five publications. Education Sciences was the most relevant journal with 21 papers. Integrating gamification and GBL into educational practices, supported by appropriate resources and teacher training, enhances learner outcomes and improves student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. However, challenges and barriers exist, especially inadequate teacher training, change resistance, and unclear distinctions between gamification and GBL. The research landscape to date inspires future research about factors conducive to effective and sustained impact of teacher preparation for gamified learning environments.

Keywords: gamification, game-based learning, teacher training, educational technology, learning outcomes

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Citation

Alghamdi, A. K. H., Ahmed, S., & Rahaman, S. (2026). Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 18(1), Article ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Alghamdi, A. K. H., Ahmed, S., and Rahaman, S. (2026). Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 18(1), ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Alghamdi AKH, Ahmed S, Rahaman S. Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2026;18(1), ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Alghamdi, Amani Khalaf Hamdan, Shakil Ahmed, and Safiqur Rahaman. "Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education". Contemporary Educational Technology 2026 18 no. 1 (2026): ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Alghamdi, Amani Khalaf Hamdan et al. "Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education". Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 18, no. 1, 2026, ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953

Alghamdi AKH, Ahmed S, Rahaman S. Game On: A bibliometric analysis of gamification and game-based learning in teacher training and education. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2026;18(1):ep632. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17953