Toward a taxonomy of game based learning

Learning by playing is a rather old dream coming next after learning when sleeping; at least, it is ambitious. Some authors report an enormous success of game-based learning, whereas others speak about a caricature of computer games and a reactionary use of learning theory. Opinions are quite divided. It seems difficult to resolve contradictions and to settle a dispute as long as there is no appropriate terminology available. There is an apparent need of some taxonomy for a digital games science. This paper contributes to a taxonomy of digital games, in general, and to taxonomic concepts of game-based learning, in particular. Taxonomic concepts such as extra game play and meta game play prove successful for the understanding of game playing impact as well as for guiding serious games design.