Review article    |    Open Access
Journal of Research in Education and Teaching 2026, Vol. 15(1) 18-44

Educational Digital Game Development Process: A Conceptual Review, Model Proposal, and Application Analysis

Serdar Çiftçi

pp. 18 - 44

Publish Date: June 30, 2026  |   Single/Total View: 0/0   |   Single/Total Download: 0/0


Abstract

This study comprehensively examines the game development process from both pedagogical and technological perspectives. The research is based on a review approach, a qualitative research method. Within the scope of the study, current literature in the field of game-based learning and educational digital games was analyzed, and an Educational Digital Game Development Model (EDOGM) was proposed based on the findings. The model consists of five main components: learning objectives, game mechanics, interaction design, feedback, and measurement and evaluation. Furthermore, to test the explanatory power of the model, seven different educational digital game environments were analyzed comparatively. The findings reveal that, for educational digital games to be an effective learning tool, a balanced structure must be established between pedagogical suitability, game design, and evaluation processes. This study contributes to theoretical and applied studies in the field by providing a holistic framework for the educational digital game development process.

Keywords: educational digital game, game-based learning, educational game design, model development, EDOGM, learning mechanics


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Ciftci, S. (2026). Educational Digital Game Development Process: A Conceptual Review, Model Proposal, and Application Analysis. Journal of Research in Education and Teaching, 15(1), 18-44.

Harvard
Ciftci, S. (2026). Educational Digital Game Development Process: A Conceptual Review, Model Proposal, and Application Analysis. Journal of Research in Education and Teaching, 15(1), pp. 18-44.

Chicago 16th edition
Ciftci, Serdar (2026). "Educational Digital Game Development Process: A Conceptual Review, Model Proposal, and Application Analysis". Journal of Research in Education and Teaching 15 (1):18-44.

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