Innovation in learning and teaching is an everyday requirement in contemporary higher education (HE), especially in challenging subjects such as mathematics. Teaching mathematics to students with limited experience of formal mathematical instruction is a good example of a demanding pedagogical undertaking where innovatory practice can help HE teachers rise to the challenge. This paper presents an innovative game-based learning approach to the teaching of basic mathematics in HE through the example of a first-year mathematics module of the BSc Computer Science course offered by the Aberystwyth University (UK). Excellent examination results and positive student feedback concerning the learning experience point to the value-addedness of this approach in HE and it is, therefore, offered here as an example of good teaching practice to be disseminated more widely in the sector.