The design of educational games, as a core part of educational game research, is crucial in promoting practical application and enhancing the educational effectiveness of these games. However, there are still some shortcomings and gaps in current research on educational game design, which urgently need to be systematically sorted and summarized. Therefore, this study adopted a systematic literature review method, based on CNKI and WOS databases, and selected influential journals widely recognized in the field of educational technology as samples. A comprehensive study was conducted on 44 Chinese and 60 English literature on educational game design research published from 2013 to 2023. Firstly, statistical analysis was conducted on the publication and citation status of literature, the distribution characteristics of countries and regions, as well as research hotspots and current trends, using bibliometric methods. Then, the content analysis method was further used to construct a content coding system for educational game design research, including five dimensions: theoretical foundation, specific design, development and implementation, application research, evaluation and reflection, along with secondary coding and specific coding content. Finally, based on this, trends and suggestions for future research on educational game design are proposed, in order to provide useful reference and inspiration for the theoretical and practical development of educational game design.