AN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF GAMES FOR TEACHING BASIC PROGRAMMING FROM A SYSTEMATIC MAPPING OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

This article performs a systematic mapping of the use of digital games in programming education, analyzing publications from 2013 to 2024. The study seeks to identify which games are used to teach programming concepts and in which areas these games have an educational impact. Using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the research selected articles in databases such as ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore. The mapping identified 49 games aimed at teaching programming, with a predominance of genres such as indie, educational and simulation, available on platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Linux and the web. The areas of knowledge covered by the games include programming logic, data manipulation, syntax, functions, and debugging, promoting the development of these skills in a motivating environment. The results suggest that digital games are effective tools to engage students and facilitate the learning of abstract concepts in programming. Offering interactive practice and immediate feedback, these games complement traditional teaching methods, making learning more accessible and dynamic. The research concludes that the integration of games in programming education can increase students' interest and support the assimilation of complex content. In addition, it is recommended to continue studies on the impact of games on long-term skills, aiming to adapt these tools to different educational levels and teaching contexts.