Tampere University of Technology

Flow Experience in Game Based Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

The state of optimal engagement known as flow serves as a critical, yet inconsistently defined, pillar in the design and evaluation of serious games.

• Research on flow in serious games remains largely conceptual, lacking robust empirical evidence to support the definitive impact of flow on learning outcomes.
• A systematic review of 19 studies involving 1,775 participants found that while flow is positively linked to motivation and engagement, its direct causal relationship with learning requires further validation.
• The most frequently measured dimensions of flow in serious games are concentration (89%), challenge-skill balance (83%), time distortion (83%), and sense of control (78%).