Free and Top-Paid Examples of GBL Games and Resources

Free Game-Based Learning Games & Resources

1. Kahoot!

• Type: Quiz-based learning platform

• Subjects: All subjects

• How it works: Teachers or students can create fun quizzes (called "Kahoots") or use pre-made ones. It encourages competition, recall, and review in a game-show format.

• Best for: Class engagement, test prep, home revision
  
  

2. CellCraft

• Type: Biology simulation game

• Subject: Science (Biology)

• How it works: Players control a cell and learn about cell structure, organelles, and biological functions while managing energy and responding to threats.

• Best for: Middle to high school biology
  
  

3. Prodigy Math

• Type: Math RPG game

• Subject: Mathematics

• How it works: Students battle monsters and level up characters by solving math problems aligned to curriculum standards.

• Best for: Grades 1–8
  
  

4. Code.org

• Type: Coding and computer science platform

• Subject: Computer Science, Math

• How it works: Offers coding games with characters from Minecraft, Star Wars, and Frozen. Kids learn programming, logic, and creativity.

• Best for: All ages, especially beginners in coding
  
  

5. National Geographic Kids Games

• Type: Educational games and quizzes

• Subjects: Science, Geography, Ecology

• How it works: Includes mini-games and puzzles that teach world facts, ecosystems, and wildlife.

• Best for: Elementary school students
  
  

6. iCivics

• Type: Civic education games

• Subjects: Social Studies, Government

• How it works: Students play games to learn how laws are made, how elections work, and how government functions.

• Best for: Middle and high school civics classes

Top Paid Game-Based Learning Games & Resources

1. Minecraft: Education Edition

• Price: Subscription (~$5/user/year for schools)

• Subjects: STEM, History, Language Arts

• How it works: A classroom-friendly version of Minecraft with structured lessons and challenges. Students explore concepts like architecture, coding, and ecology in a sandbox environment.

• Best for: Grades 3–12
  
  

2. Osmo Learning System

• Price: Hardware + app bundles (~$75–$150+ depending on set)

• Subjects: Math, Reading, Spelling, Coding

• How it works: Combines physical objects and tablet games. Kids interact with shapes, letters, and numbers using a camera-based system.

• Best for: Early learners (ages 4–10)
  
  

3. DragonBox Series

• Price: ~$5–$25 per app

• Subjects: Math (Algebra, Geometry, Numbers)

• How it works: Fun puzzles that gradually teach algebra and math logic without overwhelming terminology.

• Best for: Elementary and middle school students
  
  

4. Scribblenauts Unlimited

• Price: ~$20 (varies by platform)

• Subjects: Language Arts, Creativity, Logic

• How it works: Players solve puzzles by typing in objects to appear and interact with the game world. Builds vocabulary and creative problem-solving.

• Best for: Ages 8+
  
  

5. TypingClub

• Price: Free basic version; premium plans (~$3.50/student/year)

• Subject: Typing and computer skills

• How it works: Interactive lessons and games to teach touch typing. Includes tracking and progress reports.

• Best for: All ages