The Impact of Digital Role-Playing Games in Engineering Education: A Preliminary Review

Integrating Digital Role-Playing Games (DRPGs) into engineering education (EE) is a response to the evolving demands of the digital era and the need for innovative educational methods. DRPGs, as a subset of digital game-based learning, enhance student engagement, learning motivation, and outcomes by offering immersive, interactive experiences that align with the cognitive and developmental needs of “digital native learners.” Through a preliminary review, this study assesses DRPGs' impact on EE, explores the challenges and processes of implementing these games into curricula, and investigates the theoretical foundations supporting their use. The findings suggest that DRPGs can significantly improve understanding and application of engineering concepts, foster essential skills, and motivate students. However, effective implementation requires addressing pedagogical integration, technological compatibility, and curriculum alignment challenges. The article calls for further research to solidify DRPGs' role in EE and outlines a path for educators and policymakers to harness their potential for preparing future engineers facing complexities of modern technological landscapes.