In 2016 when Pokémon Go was released, the hype around collecting Pokémon once again increased immensely and a lot of new players started to become interested in the world of Pokémon. This is owed to various features of the game. In the following, the reasons for the game’s success should be found out. To do so, the franchise history of Pokémon and the game Pokémon Go itself will be described, before focussing on space-time in games. Afterwards, criteria for successful pervasive gaming and augmented reality will be compared to Pokémon Go until cultural and social aspects will be included as well with special attention to hype. Lastly, the most important findings will be summarized in the conclusion.
Gaming is undisputedly one of the most liked free time activities. That is why the gaming industry is booming and constantly working on new games. Even though there are new games being released every year, some managed to stay successful over decades. Especially the Pokémon franchise is indispensable for the gaming community. For over 20 years the franchise is one of the most successful ones. For a lot of players, this series of games accompanied them since their childhood.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Pokémon
2.1 Franchise History
2.2 Pokémon Go: Game description
3. Space-Time according to Igarzábal in Pokémon Go
4.1 Pervasive Gaming according to Hinske et al.
4.2 Four Dimensions of Pervasive Games applied to Pokémon Go
4.3 Complement: Pervasive Games according to Jegers
5.1 Augmented Reality
5.2 Augmented Reality according to Knauer and Mütterlein
5.3 Classification of Knauer and Mütterlein applied to Pokémon Go
6.1 Cultural and Social Significance
6.2 Hype
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the factors behind the success of the mobile game Pokémon Go by analyzing its technical, structural, and social components through various academic frameworks. The research investigates how the integration of real-world interaction, game design, and public hype contributes to the long-term engagement of its player base.
- Space-time navigation and game design in Pokémon Go.
- Theoretical application of pervasive gaming criteria.
- Classification of Augmented Reality (AR) features.
- Psychological drivers of collecting and social dynamics.
- Analysis of the "Hype Cycle" in relation to user retention.
Excerpt from the Book
Space-Time according to Igarzábal in Pokémon Go
As already mentioned, time and especially space in Pokémon Go differ greatly from other games and are part of what makes the game so very special. Igarzábal explains various successful and therefore common characteristics of games concerning space and time in his work “Time and Space in Video Games”. Those are not just important strategies to keep in mind when analyzing any game but if those characteristics apply, it could be explained why Pokémon Go is such a successful game.
Firstly, he states that time and space are connected in the human brain. Metaphors like “a long time” or “a short time” where time appears to be measured through distance aim to resemble that (64). So both aspects have to be considered here. When it is thought about space in games, one directly things about how we move inside the game. In Super Mario Bros., for example, there is a set direction that the player has to follow. In Pokémon Go, there is what Igarzábal calls “multidirectional navigation”, which occurs “when they don’t prescribe a direction of movement, but allow the player to choose from one of a variety of available directions” (66). Clearly in Pokémon Go, the player can and has to move as freely as even possible.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the scope of the paper, highlighting the success of the Pokémon franchise and the release of Pokémon Go in 2016 as a catalyst for renewed interest.
2. Pokémon: Outlines the history of the franchise since 1996 and provides a technical description of how Pokémon Go functions within a real-world context.
3. Space-Time according to Igarzábal in Pokémon Go: Applies Igarzábal's theories on space and time to analyze the game’s unique approach to movement and navigation.
4.1 Pervasive Gaming according to Hinske et al.: Discusses the theoretical framework of pervasive gaming and its requirements for successful integration into the real world.
4.2 Four Dimensions of Pervasive Games applied to Pokémon Go: Evaluates the game against the four dimensions of physical, mental, social, and immersive experience.
4.3 Complement: Pervasive Games according to Jegers: Examines supplementary criteria for pervasive games, focusing on concentration, player skills, and individual goal-setting.
5.1 Augmented Reality: Defines Augmented Reality in the context of the game and how 3D environmental mapping is achieved.
5.2 Augmented Reality according to Knauer and Mütterlein: Introduces a classification system developed to categorize various types of Augmented Reality games.
5.3 Classification of Knauer and Mütterlein applied to Pokémon Go: Applies the specific AR classification criteria to the technical and mechanical features of Pokémon Go.
6.1 Cultural and Social Significance: Explores the psychological drives behind item collection and the social behavior of player groups.
6.2 Hype: Uses Gartner's Hype Cycle model to illustrate the user retention trends and the impact of media publicity on the game's lifecycle.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings, noting that while the game succeeds in immersion and psychological appeal, it remains a product of mixed results regarding specific theoretical criteria.
Keywords
Pokémon Go, Pervasive Gaming, Augmented Reality, Igarzábal, Hinske, Knauer and Mütterlein, Gartner Hype Cycle, Mobile Gaming, Social Interaction, Space-Time, Digital Immersion, Game Design, Player Motivation, Collecting, Virtual Reality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper provides an academic analysis of the success of Pokémon Go, examining why the game resonated with such a wide audience using various media and gaming theories.
Which theoretical frameworks are applied to the game?
The author uses Igarzábal's "Time and Space in Video Games," Hinske et al.'s dimensions of pervasive gaming, Jegers' criteria for enjoyment, Knauer and Mütterlein's AR classification, and Gartner’s Hype Cycle.
What is the research goal of the work?
The goal is to determine the reasons for the game's massive popularity by evaluating it against established criteria for successful pervasive and augmented reality games.
Which scientific methods were used to conduct this analysis?
The paper employs a comparative literature review and applies established academic models from game studies and technology analysis to the specific features of Pokémon Go.
What are the main findings regarding the game's success?
The analysis concludes that while the game does not perfectly meet every theoretical criterion, its strength lies in the player's immersion, the psychological satisfaction of collecting, and the effectively managed hype surrounding the franchise.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Pervasive Gaming, Augmented Reality, Player Motivation, Social Significance, and Game Mechanics.
How does the game handle the "goal vector" concept?
Unlike many traditional games with preset objectives, Pokémon Go allows players to define their own navigation and goal-setting, which contributes to a higher sense of individual freedom.
What role does the "Hype Cycle" play in the author's argument?
The Hype Cycle is used to explain the rapid growth of the user base post-release and the subsequent normalization of player numbers, mirroring typical adoption patterns of new technologies.
- Quote paper
- Lea-Christin Klaas (Author), 2021, The Phenomenon Pokémon Go. An Analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1214730
