Gamification has the potential to enhance learner motivation and increase participation, thereby improving MOOC's retention rates. However, challenges exist in finding the balance between learning and gamification elements and ensuring effective implementation, as well as the limited availability of established gamification frameworks tailored for MOOCs. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the current state of research, identify research gaps and answer them. The findings underscore the importance of finding a balance in gamification design with game elements' use, addressing implementation challenges, MOOC platforms, and developing tailored frameworks for MOOCs to optimize learner engagement and retention rates.