There\u2019s no need to choose between playing your Nintendo Switch or studying English anymore. Now you can practise your skills while having fun with your friends online.<\/p>\n
In fact, playing video games can be a surprisingly effective way to learn English. You get a lot of extra exposure to the language to level up<\/strong><\/span><\/em> your listening and reading skills. And depending on the game, you can even improve your writing and speaking skills too.<\/p>\n Unconvinced? Let\u2019s take a closer look at how to learn English through gaming and some tips on how to make the most of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gaming provides a natural, interactive environment for language learning. You can explore the virtual world in the same way you would a foreign country, just from the comfort of your own home<\/strong><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n Plus, video games need you to be an active participant. If you stop paying attention, it\u2019s game over<\/strong><\/span><\/em> and you have to start all over again.<\/p>\n That being said, you can\u2019t learn English through playing video games alone. They lack the structured lessons needed to build a strong foundation in grammar, syntax and pronunciation. Plus video games don\u2019t tend to cover many everyday, informal situations so relying on them to learn English may leave you with some gaps in your vocabulary.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a lot of video games out there. Here\u2019s how you can use different types to practise your English skills:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some games are designed for language learners, mixing entertainment with lessons. They make the grammar or vocabulary point the challenge you must overcome to proceed to the next level. If you play online, you may be able to compare yourself to others on a leaderboard.<\/p>\n Duolingo<\/a> is the most famous example but Drops<\/a> and LingoDeer<\/a> are growing in popularity. Many of them are even free to download from the app store.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Educational games can help you take a more multidisciplinary approach. You can learn about subjects like science or history while enhancing your English language skills.<\/p>\n What you choose really depends on your interests. History fans might enjoy the Oregon Trail, which teaches you about life in 19th-century America. Meanwhile, animal lovers are more likely to get a kick out<\/strong><\/span><\/em> of Zoo Tycoon where they can run their own zoo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many adventure games are built around a narrative, meaning they contain a lot of audio or text. You can practise just by switching the settings to English.<\/p>\n Some obvious picks are the Super Mario and the Legend of Zelda series. Both require you to interact with characters, watch cut scenes<\/strong><\/span><\/em> and solve language-based puzzles.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to pay for new releases, look for indie games with a lower price tag. Some of these games have truly unique concepts. For example, Goose Game lets you play as a \u2018horrible goose\u2019 and gives you a list of ways to terrorise<\/strong><\/span><\/em> the people living in your town. And Hollow Knight has you battling zombie insects in an underground civilisation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perhaps adventure games aren\u2019t for you. You might not enjoy exploring virtual worlds and battling bad guys or feel there aren\u2019t enough language learning opportunities.<\/p>\n Puzzle games might be a good alternative as they get you to use logic to solve problems and move through the levels. They\u2019re often more text and audio-based. For example, Professor Layton requires players to read a lot of dialogue and there are seven versions already out with more to follow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n None of these options gives you much chance to practise your speaking. That\u2019s where multiplayer mode comes in.<\/p>\n Most recent platforms let you use the communication features with any multiplayer game now. You don\u2019t have to stick to first-person shooters<\/strong><\/span><\/em> if you don\u2019t like them. It\u2019s possible to play virtual board games, strategy and races while chatting with others online.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although gaming can be fun, getting intentional can help you improve your English skills faster. Here\u2019s some tips on getting more out of video games:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Video gaming can be a powerful study tool if you go about<\/strong><\/span><\/em> it the right way. That means you can\u2019t just spend a few hours on your PlayStation instead of doing homework and expect your English to improve.<\/p>\n Tutors can help you incorporate video games into studying. Many English teachers are gaming fans themselves and would be happy to teach you relevant grammar and vocabulary. They may also have advice on the best games to play.<\/p>\nCan you learn English by playing video games?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
How to learn English by playing video games<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Use language learning apps<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Play educational games<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Follow the story<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Try puzzle games<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Switch to multiplayer mode<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Tips on making the most of video games<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Closing thoughts<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n