Gamified and Non-Gamified AI Tools in Enhancing EFL Listening Comprehension: An Analysis of Duolingo and Replika’s Impact on Engagement, Motivation, and Learning Outcomes

Listening comprehension is a critical component of English language acquisition and a core foundation for effective communication and language development. This study investigates the impact of gamified and non-gamified AI-driven learning systems, Duolingo and Replika, on the improvement of English as a foreign language (EFL) listening comprehension. A concurrent mixed methods design was used to collect data from 53 Iranian high school students (aged 14–15) residing in Tehran Province. Quantitative data were collected through researcher-developed pre- and post-intervention listening comprehension assessments and a perception questionnaire, while qualitative data were derived from classroom observation checklists and semi-structured interviews (n = 15). Students were randomly allocated to two groups: Duolingo (n = 27) and Replika (n = 26), who participated in a 12-week intervention consisting of 24 sessions. Duolingo uses gamified elements such as rewards and points to increase engagement, while Replika uses conversation-based interactions. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in listening comprehension for both groups, with the Duolingo group showing higher engagement metrics. Qualitative findings showed that Duolingo's adaptive algorithms and gamification elements fostered a more engaging and personalized learning experience. The study highlights how these AI-driven systems address previously overlooked aspects of EFL instruction through personalized, data-driven pathways, effectively improving adolescents' listening comprehension skills. The research reviewed here highlights how these systems address previously overlooked aspects of EFL instruction, particularly in improving adolescents' listening comprehension skills. By focusing on personalized, data-driven pathways, the study demonstrates how intelligent learning platforms can fill gaps in traditional teaching and effectively improve listening comprehension - a critical yet often underemphasized skill in language teaching.