Digital RPG-Based Vocabulary Learning

Acquiring vocabulary in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) requires a significant and long-term undertaking, which many primary students often deem tedious and discouraging. This results in reduced motivation and diminished self-efficacy in vocabulary acquisition. To address these challenges, this chapter proposes an innovative method—digital role-playing game (RPG)-based vocabulary learning, developed with the user-friendly RPG Maker, and structured around the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model. This method transforms vocabulary learning into an engaging gameplay process with a clear language learning purpose. As students engage in solo, collaborative, and competitive modes of RPG, their motivation for learning can be bolstered, fostering improved self-efficacy. Through interaction with Non-Player Characters (NPCs), students can gain substantial exposure to English vocabulary, bolstering their utilization of English words. Consequently, a digital RPG-based learning approach not only reduces the workload for EFL teachers but also enhances learner motivation and self-efficacy, ultimately increasing efficiency in EFL vocabulary learning among primary students.