kotiwo: Making Language Learning Fun Through Games

kotiwo is a web-based language learning platform that combines gaming with vocabulary acquisition. Players enjoy diverse game genres while learning new words through a unique learning algorithm. Available on any device with a web browser, kotiwo makes language learning fun and accessible.

Press Kit

About kotiwo

kotiwo combines full-featured gaming with vocabulary acquisition. Players can enjoy games across a variety of game genres while learning new words. The platform uses its own learning algorithm, which was designed to break patterns to improve retention.

With kotiwo, players draw their practice motivation from gaming itself—reviewing hundreds of words while pursuing that ‘just one more turn’ feeling.

Many language learning tools focus on repetitive drills and basic vocabulary, often failing to maintain learner engagement and hindering long-term retention. kotiwo addresses this by combining vocabulary acquisition with diverse and engaging game genres. Furthermore, its unique learning algorithm, which constantly varies translation directions, challenges learners and strengthens memory recall.

kotiwo is designed to be accessible and engaging for a broad audience, from young learners to adults. The simple game mechanics and adjustable difficulty levels make it suitable for players of all ages and levels of computer proficiency. The ability to create custom word lists and specialised vocabulary packs also makes kotiwo a valuable tool for students, travellers, professionals and anyone looking to expand their vocabulary in any language.

Key Features

• Diverse Gaming Portfolio: RPG, management, racing, and creative writing games
• Personal Vocabulary Integration: Add or import custom word lists in any language, allowing learners to focus on specific topics or create personalised study materials
• Learning Algorithm: A unique system that disrupts predictable patterns to enhance retention. For example, after presenting a word several times in direct translation (e.g., English to Spanish), the algorithm might suddenly switch to a reverse translation (Spanish to English) or introduce variations, forcing learners to actively recall the meaning and preventing passive memorization
• Vocabulary Content: 2,000+ curated words and specialised topic packs
• Cross-Platform Access: Works on any device with a web browser, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices; available as an installable app through PWA (Progressive Web Apps) technology
• Suitable for All Ages: From children to adults, all games are family-friendly and offer adjustable difficulty levels

Variety that Drives Learning

kotiwo keeps language learning interesting through different games. Players can switch between activities, and when they finish the collection, earlier games feel fresh again, creating a natural learning loop.

Additionally, unlike a number of other language-learning games that focus only on basic nouns like “cat” or “house,” kotiwo teaches all parts of speech—verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, too.

Games

Main Collection

• Let There Be Light: An RPG where players control a lamp restoring light to a dark world
• Motorsport Manager: Build and lead racing teams across various motorsports; supports modding for different racing types, including rally, formula racing, motorbike racing, and more
• Sports Team Manager: Guide your team across various sports (football, basketball, hockey)
• Plant Writer: Combine creative writing with plant genetics to create unique flora
• Old School Racing: An ’80s-style arcade game where correct translations refuel your vehicle
• Scripts: Learn new alphabets by decoding alien messages
• Classic Mini-Games: Word-focused quizzes and typing games

Additional Content

• Daily Crossword: Daily vocabulary puzzles with adjustable difficulty
• Grammar Overview: Quick reference guide for recognising language patterns

Game Footage & Trailers

For a quick overview of gameplay mechanics and features, gameplay footage and trailers are available here.

Language Support

• Current Languages: English, German, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Hebrew
• Custom Languages: Support for any language through personal vocabulary lists

Vocabulary

General Progress Packs

• Starter Pack
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Specialised Topics

• Business Communication
• Medical Terminology
• Driving Abroad
• Emotions & Expression

kotiwo Method

• Focuses exclusively on vocabulary as the foundation of language learning
• Keeps learners on their toes by frequently switching between direct and reverse translations
• Uses time pressure to strengthen memory retention
• Lightning round review: hundreds of words in a short time
• Encourages repeated practice and self-motivation through a variety of games
• Promotes active recall by strategically hiding translations of familiar words, pushing learners to retrieve meanings from memory before checking

Technical Information

• Platform: Web-based, mobile-optimised
• Installation: Accessible via web browsers and installable as apps through PWA technology
• Access: Free registration at https://kotiwo.com
• Premium Features: Access to all games, all language packs, and the personal vocabulary lists feature

Logo Meaning

The kotiwo logo combines a “+” for vocabulary acquisition and two ascending arrows for “level up” progress. These elements form a sword, representing a player’s quest in language learning.

Background

kotiwo began as a personal passion project by a software developer who learned to code before mastering writing. The platform is the result of years of after-hours dedication, born from a deep love for gaming, programming, and language learning.

Press Contact / Media Enquiries

Assets

• Logo
• Screenshots
• Mascot: Hotari the Firefly

Hotari is kotiwo’s mascot, a firefly that symbolises the light of knowledge. The name combines the Japanese word “ホタル” (hotaru/firefly) with the German diminutive suffix “-i.”

Brand Guidelines

General Guidelines

• Name always appears in lowercase: kotiwo
• Typography is based on Noto and Noto Sans fonts, chosen for their comprehensive support of global writing systems

Colour Palette