This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of game-based learning in early childhood education, focusing on its impact on cognitive, social, emotional, motivational, and engagement outcomes. The study includes 136 studies published between 2013 and 2023, involving a total of 1,426 participants aged 3-8 years. The results indicate that game-based learning has a moderate to large effect on all five outcomes, with significant effects on cognitive development (g = 0.46), social development (g = 0.38), emotional development (g = 0.35), motivation (g = 0.40), and engagement (g = 0.44). The study also explores moderators such as game type and duration, finding that puzzle games and longer sessions have larger effects. The findings suggest that game-based learning can be a valuable tool for promoting positive child development, but further research is needed to address remaining gaps and to identify best practices for integration. The study provides insights for educators, policymakers, and game developers aiming to enhance learning outcomes in early childhood education.This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of game-based learning in early childhood education, focusing on its impact on cognitive, social, emotional, motivational, and engagement outcomes. The study includes 136 studies published between 2013 and 2023, involving a total of 1,426 participants aged 3-8 years. The results indicate that game-based learning has a moderate to large effect on all five outcomes, with significant effects on cognitive development (g = 0.46), social development (g = 0.38), emotional development (g = 0.35), motivation (g = 0.40), and engagement (g = 0.44). The study also explores moderators such as game type and duration, finding that puzzle games and longer sessions have larger effects. The findings suggest that game-based learning can be a valuable tool for promoting positive child development, but further research is needed to address remaining gaps and to identify best practices for integration. The study provides insights for educators, policymakers, and game developers aiming to enhance learning outcomes in early childhood education.