The article by Richard Van Eck discusses the growing interest and effectiveness of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in education. Van Eck highlights three key factors driving this trend: ongoing research, the engagement of "digital natives" with traditional instruction, and the increasing popularity of digital games. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, focusing on both the effectiveness of DGBL and practical guidance on how to integrate games into the learning process. Van Eck outlines the effectiveness of DGBL based on established learning principles such as situated cognition, play theory, and cognitive disequilibrium. He also provides practical advice on implementing DGBL, including choosing suitable games, aligning them with the curriculum and content, and designing and evaluating the learning activities. Additionally, he addresses the role of institutional IT support, emphasizing the importance of documentation, training, technical, financial, and infrastructure support. Finally, Van Eck reflects on past technological learning revolutions, cautioning against the mistake of mistaking technology use for technology integration. He concludes by advocating for a thoughtful and intelligent approach to DGBL to realize its full potential in education.The article by Richard Van Eck discusses the growing interest and effectiveness of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in education. Van Eck highlights three key factors driving this trend: ongoing research, the engagement of "digital natives" with traditional instruction, and the increasing popularity of digital games. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, focusing on both the effectiveness of DGBL and practical guidance on how to integrate games into the learning process. Van Eck outlines the effectiveness of DGBL based on established learning principles such as situated cognition, play theory, and cognitive disequilibrium. He also provides practical advice on implementing DGBL, including choosing suitable games, aligning them with the curriculum and content, and designing and evaluating the learning activities. Additionally, he addresses the role of institutional IT support, emphasizing the importance of documentation, training, technical, financial, and infrastructure support. Finally, Van Eck reflects on past technological learning revolutions, cautioning against the mistake of mistaking technology use for technology integration. He concludes by advocating for a thoughtful and intelligent approach to DGBL to realize its full potential in education.