From play to proficiency: Analyzing the role of game-design learning experiential strategies in hospitality investment and finance education

This study examines the impact of game-design experiential learning (GDEL) on financial literacy and learning outcomes among graduate hospitality finance students. Using a purposive sampling method, data were collected from a graduate-level hospitality finance course in Taiwan, with 70 participants in the pre-test and 64 in the post-test. The curriculum included four board games and one online gamified learning platform. Pre- and post-test results showed significant improvement in financial literacy attitudes. Statistical analysis indicated collaboration reduces performance disparities. Mediation analysis revealed that GDEL enhanced perceptions of financial management (PFM), promoted deep learning (DL) and increased learning satisfaction (LS) and effectiveness (LE). Multiple-group analysis found the online game had a stronger direct effect on LS and LE; physical games more strongly influenced PFM and DL.