Digital Games are fun learning delivery method where educational content is integrated into interactive games to make learning more engaging and motivating.

KEY FEATURES that set them apart from other learning delivery methods :

 Interactivity: This is arguably the most defining feature. Players actively engage with the game, making choices, solving problems, and influencing the game's progression. This active participation promotes deeper learning and engagement compared to passive methods like lectures.
Goal-Oriented with Challenges: Games typically have clear objectives and present challenges that players must overcome to achieve those goals. This structure provides a sense of purpose and motivates players to learn and improve.
Rules and Structure: Games operate within a set of rules and constraints, providing a framework for gameplay. This structure helps learners understand the boundaries and expectations within the game environment.
Feedback and Rewards: Games provide immediate feedback on players' actions, whether it's through scores, points, or changes in the game world. This feedback helps learners understand the consequences of their choices and adjust their strategies. Rewards further motivate players and reinforce learning.
Simulation and Exploration: Many games simulate real-world situations or create fantastical environments that players can explore. This allows learners to experience things that might be difficult or impossible in real life, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.
Adaptability and Differentiation: Good digital games can often be adjusted to suit different learning levels and styles. Some games offer difficulty settings, personalised challenges, or different pathways to explore, allowing for differentiated instruction.
Motivation and Engagement: Games can be highly motivating and engaging, especially for younger learners. The element of fun, competition, and challenge can capture students' attention and make learning more enjoyable.
Repetition and Practice: Games often provide opportunities for repetition and practice, which is essential for mastering skills and concepts. The game environment can make repetitive tasks more engaging and less tedious.
Assessment and Tracking: Many digital games have built-in assessment mechanisms that track players' progress and provide data on their learning. This information can be valuable for teachers to identify areas where students might need additional support.
Accessibility and Availability: Digital games can be accessed on a variety of devices, making them readily available to many learners. Online games can also facilitate collaborative learning and interaction among students.

Benefits of Digital Games as a Learning Delivery Method:
Increased Engagement and Motivation: Games are inherently fun and interactive, which can capture students' attention and motivate them to learn.
Enhanced Learning: Games can provide a more active and engaging learning experience than traditional methods, leading to better knowledge retention and deeper understanding.
Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Many games require players to think strategically, make decisions, and solve problems, which can help develop these essential skills.
Collaboration and Communication: Many games involve teamwork and communication, fostering social skills and the ability to work with others.
Personalised Learning: Games can be adapted to different learning styles and paces, allowing students to learn at their own speed and in a way that suits them best.
Accessibility: Digital games can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making learning more flexible and accessible for students.

Despite the listed benefits, they also come with some drawbacks:
 Distraction and Addiction: Games can be highly addictive, potentially leading to excessive screen time and distraction from other important activities.
Violence and Inappropriate Content: Some games may contain violence, inappropriate language, or other content that is not suitable for all learners.
Limited Scope: Not all subjects or learning objectives can be effectively taught through games.
Technical Issues: Technical problems, such as software glitches or internet connectivity issues, can disrupt the learning process
Equity and Access: Access to technology and high-quality educational games may not be equal for all students, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.

It's important to remember that not all digital games are equally effective for learning. The design of the game, the alignment with learning objectives, and the way it's integrated into the curriculum are all crucial factors in determining its educational value.Overall, digital games can be a valuable learning tool when used appropriately and responsibly, carefully selected and aligned with learning objectives, when student use is monitored, and when potential risks are addressed.