Recent emergency online learning, forced upon students around the globe as a result of COVID-19, has exposed many challenges to both learner and instructor in the online learning environment (Schultz and DeMers 2020). Among these numerous challenges is that of insufficient time management skills and learner motivation (Rouse 2013). While young people seem to be able to spend endless hours engaged in games, the same does not seem to be true of the learning experience, particularly regarding online learning. There is something about the attraction of the game itself that motivates the player. Quest-based learning (QBL) is part of a larger set of approaches to learning called game-based learning. While generally, but not exclusively, not focusing on making the learning itself "fun," instead it focuses on course organization, where all assignments--while traditional in their methods of delivery--are considered to be quests to be conquered. Because this platform is so new, there is little if any formal documentation regarding the success or failure of implementing courses using this approach. This is a first step in filling that intellectual void with reference to GIS education.