The higher education landscape has transformed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging a rapid transition to online and hybrid education modes via digital technologies. Game-based learning, particularly educational escape rooms, has emerged as a valuable tool in STEM subjects, positively impacting student motivation, learning outcomes, and engagement. In architecture education, the use of gamification and serious gaming presents unique challenges in bridging theoretical knowledge and professional practice. This study explores the potential of digital educational escape rooms (DEERs) in architecture education and collaborative practice, aiming to enhance students’ engagement, motivation, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The research seeks to address two main questions: what methods are used to evaluate the outcomes of DEERs in architecture education, and how DEERs impact students’ motivation, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving to link theoretical knowledge with professional practice? A qualitative thematic analysis of 20 articles published from 2016 to 2023 reveals DEERs’ growing popularity as a learning tool in architecture education. It underscores the importance of further research to explore how DEERs can better prepare students for professional practice and address global challenges.