Video games are not just entertainment. Well-chosen, they can be a great tool for language learning – even if you're not poring over a textbook or making flashcards.
The key is that the game naturally forces you to engage with the language.
Why games work for language learning
1. You have built-in motivation
In games, you want to win, complete a mission, or solve a puzzle – and for that, you often need to understand texts and dialogues.
2. You effortlessly repeat vocabulary
You constantly see the same phrases, commands, and messages – your brain automatically remembers them.
3. Language appears in context
You learn words in situations you see on screen, making them easier to remember.
How to choose games for language learning
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Set the target language in the menu and subtitles (e.g., Spanish) – not just in dialogues.
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Choose games with a lot of text or speech – RPGs, adventure games, simulators.
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Look for titles with rich worlds and storylines that require reading and listening.
Examples of games
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Simulators and casual games:
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The Sims 4 – everyday vocabulary, item descriptions, character relationships.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons – daily conversations, item descriptions, simple sentence structures.
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Stardew Valley – words related to farming, cooking, and relationships.
Sandbox and creative:
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Minecraft – names of materials, tools, commands.
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Terraria – item and quest descriptions in simple language.
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Roblox – various player-created worlds, often with chat elements.
Story-driven and adventure:
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – narration, dialogues, quest descriptions.
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Final Fantasy XIV – MMORPG with extensive dialogues and player interactions.
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – idioms, colloquialisms, complex dialogues.
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Baldur’s Gate 3 – fantasy and everyday language in a rich storyline.
Online and esports:
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Fortnite – team communication, short instructions, action-related vocabulary.
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League of Legends – abbreviations, commands, and dynamic communication.
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Valorant – tactical language and team communication.
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Overwatch 2 – real-time communication, character and ability descriptions.
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How to maximize your learning from games
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Write down new words and phrases while playing.
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Repeat dialogues aloud to practice pronunciation.
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Play with others in the target language – voice or text chat.
Video games can be your "secret tutor" – combining fun with learning without feeling like you're studying. Just pick the right title and set the language you want to speak.