Game-Based Learning (GBL) is an evolving field that integrates game elements, mechanics, and principles into education and training to enhance students’ experience and learning outcomes. As digital learning landscapes rapidly expand, GBL continues to evolve, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and adaptive learning systems. This minitrack explores the latest advancements in GBL and its intersections with emerging fields, fostering discussions on the future of learning through play, interactivity, and immersive experiences.
This minitrack invites interdisciplinary contributions that explore empirical research, theoretical advancements, design methodologies, and applications of GBL across diverse contexts. It welcomes a wide range of research methodologies, including experimental studies, longitudinal research, mixed‑methods approaches, case studies, design‑based research, and systematic literature reviews. Our goal is to push the boundaries of GBL by examining how emerging technologies, interdisciplinary frameworks, and innovative pedagogical models can shape the future of learning through games. We encourage submissions that address both foundational and forward‑looking aspects of GBL, including, but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence & Learning Analytics: AI-driven adaptive learning in GBL, predictive analytics, dynamic game-mechanics adjustments based on learner data, and ethical considerations in AI-driven game-based learning
- Computational & Technological Developments: Procedural content generation, AI-powered NPCs for dynamic learning interactions, multi-agent simulations, blockchain applications in GBL, and cloud-based GBL platforms.
- Cultural & Social Dimensions: Socio-cultural perspectives on GBL, inclusive design, accessibility, diversity in game narratives, gamification of social learning, and ethical concerns in game-based educational interventions.
- Ethical & Societal Implications: Addressing privacy, bias, fairness, and the responsible use of gamification and game-based approaches in education and training
- Health & Wellbeing: GBL for mental health, physical rehabilitation, behavior change interventions, mindfulness training, and exergaming applications
- Human Factors & Learner Experience: Studies on user engagement, motivation, cognitive load, player typologies, adaptive learning pathways, and personalized learning experiences in GBL
- Immersive & Emerging Technologies: Applications of XR (VR/AR/MR), the metaverse, spatial computing, and haptic technologies in GBL; implications of generative AI in content creation and adaptive learning, e.g., in blended physical-digital ecosystems
- Applications & Haptic Technologies: Serious games, simulations, and hybrid learning formats combining digital environments with physical artifacts (e.g., tangible interfaces, smart objects, cyber-physical systems)
- Civil Resilience & Preparedness: GBL approaches to foster civil resilience and preparedness through application systems (apps) and hybrid physical-digital systems; serious games, simulations, and scenario based training for crisis awareness, disaster response, risk communication, and decision-making under uncertainty
- Pedagogical Innovation: Integration of GBL with instructional strategies, intelligent tutoring systems, competency-based education, and immersive storytelling for deeper learning
Authors of accepted papers have the option to fast-track extended versions of their HICSS papers to Smart Learning Environments.
Minitrack Co-Chairs:
Wilk Oliveira (Primary Contact)
Tampere University
wilk.oliveira@tuni.fi
Samuli Laato
University of Turku
samuli.laato@utu.fi
Juho Hamari
Tampere University
juho.hamari@tuni.fi
Jochen Scheeg
University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg
scheeg@th-brandenburg.de
Important Dates:
June 15, 11:59pm HST| Submission Deadline: For papers to be considered for the conference.
August 17, 11:59pm HST| Decision Notification: Authors will be notified of acceptance/rejection.
September 4, 11:59pm HST | Resubmission Deadline for Conditionally Accepted Papers: Authors whose papers are conditionally accepted shall submit a revised manuscript.
September 22, 11:59pm HST | Deadline for the Submission of Final Manuscript: Authors will submit the final version of their manuscript for publication.
October 1, 11:59pm HST |Author Registration Deadline: At least one author of each paper must register by October 1. Papers without a registered author will not be scheduled for presentation at the conference and included in the conference proceedings.