Strong shot, English vocabulary in context

Abstract

Video games may be a convenient methodology for conveying English vocabulary in context to the players, since they are story driven and can absorbs players' attention, increasing their motivation and engagement within a learning process. However, most of current vocabulary games are like digital versions of textbooks vocabulary exercises and do not meet students game preferences. This paper presents the process of development of an action video game to convey basic English vocabulary and support students in the process of vocabulary learning and rehearsing. The game was designed with the active participation of a group of secondary students. Furthermore, a playability study is presented. The study was conducted involving a second group of secondary students and confirmed that besides a good story, video game aesthetic plays a crucial role to motivate and engage players. The study also showed that vocabulary in context is not enough when players have a very limited or no English knowledge, since it makes them difficult to understand the game story. Therefore, new strategies should be considered as complement.