Objective To investigate the effects of using the game teaching method in the teaching of extensive nursing training course. Methods Ninety-eight nursing students in the 2021 enrollment cohort were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=48) receiving traditional teaching or an experimental group (n=50) receiving traditional teaching supplemented with game-based teaching. The study compared the final exam scores, critical thinking abilities, and teamwork skills of the two groups at the end of the semester. Results The experimental group had significantly higher final scores in written exam, lab test, and in-class participation, as well as critical thinking scores, and teamwork scores compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion Game-based teaching can enhance teaching effectiveness and foster critical thinking and teamwork skills in extensive nursing training course.