Can Video Games Really Help My Child Learn a New Language?

When learning feels like a battle

Monique sat at the kitchen table for the third night in a row, flashcards in hand and frustration in her eyes. Her 9-year-old son, Leo, was supposed to be learning English vocabulary for a quiz, but instead he was slumped over, eyes glazed. "I don’t get it," she sighed. "He remembers entire Pokémon moves by name, but can’t recall ten simple English words."

If that scene feels familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with how to make language learning stick — especially for children aged 6 to 12, who may already feel bogged down by school demands. Which raises the question: Could video games, long considered a distraction, actually become part of the solution?

Don’t underestimate the power of play

Before we jump into semantics and conjugation tables, let’s pause to acknowledge something important: children are wired to learn through play. At this age, they respond to narrative, challenge, and interaction far more enthusiastically than rote repetition or workbook drills. That’s where the idea of educational video games comes into the picture.

Unlike traditional classroom materials, games offer a unique mix of visual cues, immersive environments, and reward systems that motivate kids to keep trying — even when they don’t get it right the first (or fifth) time. Studies have shown that certain types of games can actually enhance cognitive flexibility, memory retention, and yes — language acquisition.

So how can video games support language learning?

Language is not about memorizing isolated words — it's about context, nuance, and interaction. High-quality games often place kids in language-rich environments where words are not just read, but heard, used, and rewarded. Whether it’s solving puzzles in a foreign language or progressing through a dialogue with an NPC (non-playable character), children absorb new vocabulary more naturally when it's part of a story or mission.

Here are some common ways games support language development:

• Repetition in context: Games reinforce vocabulary through frequent and meaningful usage rather than isolated drills.
• Audio immersion: Many games feature native speakers or voice-overs, helping kids get used to correct pronunciation and intonation.
• Storytelling: Narrative-driven games engage kids emotionally, which increases memory retention of language elements.

In fact, some parents report that their children start mimicking phrases from games without even realizing they’re speaking in another language!

But what about screen time?

This is the elephant in the room. Understandably, many parents worry about too much screen time. Balancing screen use is crucial — not all video games are created equal, and not every hour in front of a device counts as educational. The answer here lies in being intentional: choosing games that are specifically designed for learning and being involved in how your child plays.

Research increasingly supports the idea that some educational games — particularly those using adaptive difficulty and real-world applications — can offer real benefits when used in moderation and with guidance.

Mixing real-world tools with virtual worlds

While games can spark interest and immersion, they shouldn’t stand alone. This is where many parents feel stuck: their child is engaged when playing, but struggles with the textbook exercises that follow. Fortunately, there are now tools that serve as bridges between those two worlds.

One helpful approach is converting traditional homework into more engaging formats. For instance, if your child is learning basic phrases in Spanish or French, a photo of the lesson can be transformed into a custom audio adventure — placing your child as the hero navigating a maze, a treasure hunt, or a mystery — all while reinforcing key vocabulary. That’s exactly how some parents are using the Skuli App, which creates these personalized experiences using your child’s name and curriculum.

The result? Language learning that doesn’t feel like work, but still supports progress in school.

Our journey isn’t linear — and that’s okay

Back to Leo. After some trial and error, his mother found a language-learning game with a fantasy quest setup — every time Leo used a phrase correctly, he unlocked a magical item. At first, it sounded silly. But within two weeks, his test results started improving. Perhaps more importantly, he no longer dreaded vocabulary practice. They also began listening to French audio with characters named Leo during car rides, reinforcing what he’d just learned in play.

For Monique, it wasn’t about replacing traditional learning, but reshaping it — finding tools that made Leo feel part of the learning journey instead of a passive observer.

What to look for when choosing a language-learning game

If you’re curious about introducing games into your child’s language toolkit, here are a few criteria to help you choose wisely:

• Age-appropriate content: Make sure the dialogue, themes, and vocabulary level match your child’s developmental stage.
• Language immersion: Look for games that integrate audio, subtitles, and interactive dialogue in the target language.
• Educational validation: Opt for games developed with input from language educators or with clear learning goals.
• Kid agency: The best games invite children to make choices, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning path.

And if your child has attention challenges, be mindful of which games excite versus overstimulate. Some video game types are better suited than others for kids who need help with focus.

The bottom line

If you're doubtful about using video games to help with something as critical as language acquisition, you're not alone. It’s easy to see them as the enemy of focus and discipline. But when used thoughtfully, games can be a powerful complement to traditional learning — especially for kids who are disengaged or anxious around academics.

Think of it this way: If your child learns better by hearing, moving, or imagining, why not give them tools that honor those instincts instead of fighting them?

Done right, video games don't just help children learn a language. They help them want to.