Developing English as a Foreign Language Skills Through Multiplayer Online Computer Games

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of using multiplayer online computer games for the development of English as a foreign language (EFL) skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). For this purpose, the study employed a repeated measures design. The study was conducted with 13 multiplayer online gamer EFL learners studying at a private university in Turkey. The data were collected through the analysis of the English proficiency levels of the participants via two sample Cambridge Preliminary English Tests before and after a gaming period in which the participants played multiplayer online computer games to improve their EFL skills. The findings revealed that the gaming period resulted in a significant overall development of target language skills. Taken separately, the listening scores and the speaking scores of the participants demonstrated a significant increase, whereas the reading scores and the writing scores did not. Based on the findings, the study provides theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for EFL teachers.