Geographica Helvetica (Jun 2017)

What does <i>Pokémon Go</i> teach us about geography?

  • H. Gong,
  • R. Hassink,
  • G. Maus

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-227-2017
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72
pp. 227 – 230

Abstract

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Pokémon Go, a highly popular, recently launched augmented-reality-based video game, fosters players' interaction with the real world. In this commentary we elaborate on how location-based games, such as Pokémon Go, have provided insights into the perception and understanding of space, as well as into their impact on patterns of mobility. In addition to that, we compare Pokémon Go with geocaching, another location-based game, to further elaborate on what Pokémon Go fails to do in terms of the practices of geographical exploration.