The objective of this study is to examine and compare the impact of serious games and gamification on learning achievement and motivation. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that gamification has a more positive influence on learning achievement and motivation compared to serious games. The analysis reveals that gamification demonstrates a stronger impact on extrinsic motivation than on intrinsic motivation. Serious games have a more positive effect on intrinsic motivation in comparison to extrinsic motivation. The overall outcome suggests that gamification has relatively stronger effects than serious games. While the impact on extrinsic motivation is more significant with both approaches, serious games excel in fostering intrinsic motivation. However, further research is recommended to investigate the specific mechanisms that drive these effects and to identify optimal strategies for implementing serious games and gamification in diverse educational settings.