https://staialhikmahpariangan.ac.id/ejournal/Journal/index.php/jiltech <p style="text-align: justify;">Journal International of Lingua and Technology (JILTECH) is an international peer reviewed and open access journal in language education. The aim is to publish conceptual and research articles that explore the application of any language in teaching and the everyday experience of language in education. Its scope is international in that it welcomes articles from academics, researchers, graduate students and policy makers. All articles should be in English.</p> Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Al-Hikmah Pariangan Batusangkar, West Sumatra, Indonesia. en-US Journal International of Lingua and Technology 2830-487X https://staialhikmahpariangan.ac.id/ejournal/Journal/index.php/jiltech/article/view/1216 <p>Arabic language learning faces persistent pedagogical challenges, particularly in maintaining learner engagement and addressing linguistic complexity in the context of rapid digital transformation. The increasing integration of digital technologies in education has positioned game-based learning as a promising approach to enhance motivation, interaction, and learner autonomy. However, the design of Arabic language learning games presents unique challenges related to linguistic accuracy, cultural representation, and pedagogical alignment, while simultaneously offering significant opportunities for innovation in the digital era. This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities involved in designing Arabic language learning games and to identify key principles that support effective and meaningful learning. The research employed a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, involving questionnaires administered to Arabic language learners, semi-structured interviews with educators and game developers, and a focused case study of an Arabic learning game implementation. The findings reveal that digital games significantly enhance learner engagement and motivation, yet inconsistencies remain in linguistic depth and cultural authenticity due to design constraints and limited interdisciplinary collaboration. The study concludes that Arabic language learning games can function as effective instructional tools when pedagogical rigor, linguistic integrity, and engaging game mechanics are carefully balanced. These results highlight the importance of theory-informed and collaborative design approaches to optimize the educational potential of digital games in Arabic language learning.</p> Khoiriyah Khoiriyah Choi Seojin Ida Rasmussen Copyright (c) 2026 Khoiriyah Khoiriyah, Choi Seojin, Ida Rasmussen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2026-02-28 2026-02-28 5 1 1 15 10.55849/jiltech.v5i1.1216