Table 1.

Comparison of Games, Gamification, Serious Games, and Game-Based Learning

	Game	Gamification	Serious games	Game-based learning
Examples	Super Mario Brothers, Catan, Cranium, Chess	Neurology Question of the Day App	NeuroNavigator, The Plexus, Cerebro, Stroke of Genius	Foramina!, Endowed Chairs
Definition	A system where players engage in an artificial conflict defined by rules that results in a quantifiable outcome51	Application of game elements to a nongame context (not exclusive to education)3	A game designed for a purpose other than entertainment (not exclusive to education)54	The use of games in service of educational purposes (inclusive of serious games)4
Goal	Creating meaningful play51	Modify learners' behaviors or attitudes in service of an educational goal	Modify learners' knowledge, skills, or attitudes by using the core game loop of a game designed for that purpose	Facilitate learning through the use of games
Format	Wide variety of formats including analog and digital experiences	Often digital in the form of web-based or application-based point systems, leaderboards, or badges	Often stand-alone digital or tabletop games	Includes use of serious games, commercial games, role-playing games, or other games specific to the classroom setting
When to use	Commonly used for entertainment purposes, both individually and in a social setting. Can be used for team building or wellness in an educational setting	Suitable for situations where the objective is to enhance engagement with existing teaching materials	Useful when a creative game solution can effectively align with the learning objectives or demonstrate specific content, as well as practice particular skills	A methodology that integrates game mechanics with learning objectives in a customized solution