Results of my research reveal that games improve intrinsic motivation levels in university students.

In recent years, the use of games and game-like activities has been increasingly explored as a potential tool for promoting learning and motivation, both in an academic and personal context, as well as in the field of psychology and psychotherapy. The term "gamification" is often used to refer to the integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, into non-game contexts in order to enhance engagement and motivation among learners.

Research has shown that games can be effective in facilitating the learning process, by providing an interactive and engaging way to acquire new skills and knowledge. For instance, in a language learning context, a teacher may use a game that involves matching words and phrases to images to help students learn vocabulary, which may include points for correct answers and a leaderboard that displays the scores of the top players in the class. Such game elements can provide students with a sense of competition and challenge, which can increase their motivation to learn the new words and phrases.

Similarly, in the field of psychology and psychotherapy, games and game-like activities have been used as a therapeutic tool for several decades. The use of games in therapy is often referred to as "play therapy" and can be used to help individuals of all ages, including children and adults, to address a wide range of psychological and emotional issues. For example, role-playing games can be used to help individuals practice new behaviors and social skills. Additionally, some games that are based on mindfulness and meditation practices can help individuals to reduce stress and improve their emotional regulation.

However, it is important to note that if games are not used appropriately, they may be detrimental to learning and motivation. Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, which can negatively impact mental and physical health, as well as academic and professional performance. Furthermore, if games are not well-designed, they may not effectively promote learning or motivation. Therefore, it is crucial that games be used in moderation and in combination with other types of learning activities, and that they are well-designed and align with the learning objectives or therapeutic goals.