Top 3 Language Learning Games for Adults: Make Learning Fun

When I taught English full-time, I observed that my gamer ESL students were more fluent than the non-gamers.

Games naturally immerse you in your target language. Plus, words and concepts stick better when you’re having fun!

Continue reading to discover my top recommendations for language-learning games, including role-playing and classic word games, to elevate your learning experience.

The 3 Best U.S. Online Games for Adult Language Learners

The best language learning games for adults are Memrise, The Sims, and LyricsTraining.

I handpicked these language learning games to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and conversational skills.

1. Memrise

Memrise gamifies language learning with bite-sized lessons, playful images, and exciting quizzes.

You discover words and phrases locals use and put your learning into practice, whether you want to know the German cultural dos and don’ts or improve your Japanese pronunciation.

It features an AI language tutor, so you have a patient listener who won’t judge your accent or grammar mistakes.

Supported Languages: 20+

2. The Sims

The Sims is a well-loved single-player game where you control your virtual character’s entire life, from spending Saturday afternoons setting the kitchen on fire to getting promoted at work.

When you switch to your target language, you micromanage your alter ego in a whole new language!

Daily routines become engaging language lessons—because why not have fun saying “clean the toilet” in Spanish?

Supported Languages: 18

3. LyricsTraining

LyricsTraining transforms your favorite songs into a fun language lesson.

It introduces new words and expressions, improves your listening skills, and reinforces your understanding of grammar concepts by challenging you to complete the lyrics of songs.

Finally, a game where singing when you’re bored counts as studying!

Supported Languages: 13

Runner-Ups

Here are several more language learning games for adults:

• Pokemon 
• Stardew Valley (relaxing, low-pressure)
• Skyrim (lots of voice acting)
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Assassin’s Creed
• Detroit: Become Human
• Hidden Object
• Life Is Strange

Pro Tip: Choose games that let you quickly switch between your native and target languages, whether you’re playing Spanish learning games or French video games. This makes it easier to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases.

Try these classic board games if you want fun and refreshing language exchange activities with friends while improving your vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills:

• Story Cubes
• Scrabble
• Bananagrams
• Boggle
• Hangman
• Charades

Games Are Effective Language-Learning Tools

Many language learners agree that gaming speeds up the learning process, especially when mixed with other methods like language exchange programs.

It’s even more effective when you interact with native speakers, join teams or communities, and learn everyday expressions from fellow gamers.

• Research involving 61 college students found that narrative-based contextual games were a preferred English learning method by most participants, highlighting the effectiveness of storytelling in language acquisition.
• Another study showed that simulation games like the Sims improve language learning when mixed with classroom materials.

Games teach you new words and improve retention and recall with:

• Engaging visuals
• Memorable audio
• Repetition of words and phrases
• Emotional narratives
• Interactive environments

Key Takeaway: Combining games with traditional language-learning education methods effectively boosts language proficiency.

Learn a New Language While Having Fun!

Playing language learning games for adults as part of your study routine is an enjoyable way to reinforce your language skills. 

Solidify your vocabulary by doing relevant immersion activities after playing a game. For example, watch a fantasy-themed movie after a fantasy storytelling session with Story Cubes.

Mix and match different language-learning activities. Keep it fun and engaging to stay motivated. Your imagination is the limit!

Just remember to control your gaming hours, especially if you start dreaming in Simlish.

Jane Pardo

Jane Pardo is a senior contributing writer with three years of experience as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, offering expert insights on language learning. At LingoBright, she shares practical tips, effective strategies, and valuable resources to help learners at all levels enhance their language skills and achieve their fluency goals.

WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn