5.6 POKEMON GO (2016

5.6 POKEMON GO (2016)

Pokémon GO is a location-based augmented reality online videogame that blurs the barriers between

virtual and physical environment. This game is built on digital maps of the actual world and relies on

location data gathered by a single player or multiplayer in the present day. It allows users to influence

the game world. User identifies and catches virtual creatures in the real world by utilizing GPS

capabilities supplied by most smartphones on which the game is played. The appearance of these

creatures is determined by the user's geographical location and the sort of pokémon met. The game

takes place on a simplified map that represents the buildings and streets in the proximity of the user's

geographical location. To discover pokémons, players go outside and roam about. When a user is near a

wild pokémon, the creature's picture shows on the map. After that, the user can select the picture to

encounter the pokémon.

Pokémon GO employs two in-game elements: Pokémon gyms and pokéstops, for the sake of game play

and engagement. Pokéstops are rewards represented by the shorter markers with either a cube or

circular top. They provide pokémon trainers with items such as pokéballs, potions, raspberries, incense,

pokémon eggs, and lure modules that attract pokémons to that location, while Pokémon gyms allow

trainers to battle for control of the gym. All pokémon trainers in the vicinity benefit from this effect. As a

result, by planting a lure module on a pokéstop, a user will likely attract not just pokémon, but also other

trainers. Users can connect with one another at pokéstops, gyms, or when searching for pokémon, which

adds an intriguing social component to the game.

Screenshots from the Pokémon GO game. a) Creatures on the map; (b Pokémon in the physical world. (a Pokémon

gym; (b Pokéstops.

Main Game components in Pokemon Go (source: authors)

Representation

Pokemon go interface is both real and virtual. The real environment is the environment caught by the

camera of the mobile. Based on the real environment the device offers a map in which are placed the

main game components: virtual characters, virtual inhabitants, weather conditions and virtual elements

of the build environment. Game world is experienced on first person perspective or by god’s eye view in the overall maps. The weather conditions mimic real weather in real location. Other components are

fictional such as virtual inhabitants, stations, playground etc.

Design experience

Player moves in the real environment and orient himself through a digital map in order to find and catch

virtual creatures and to capture them through camera in an Augmented reality gameplay, where the

virtual and the real are interconnected. Player can choose a personal avatar, to represent him in the

virtual map. The avatar follows user movements as it connected to the geo-located devise. In addition, a

companion avatar is provided. Companions offer a walkable company that imitates players movement

and reflects its personal choice. They allow users to compete in the game.

Design interaction

Pokemon go introduced augmented play, offering the possibility to interact with real-life monuments.

Player interacts in three different levels: a reality layer, in the environment in which he is moving, a

virtual reality (VR layer) through mobile device and an augmented reality (AR) layer that mix both

realities. The reality layer is the built environment in which player is moving physically. The virtual reality

layer represents the virtual map, characters and the gaming mechanics. The AR layer I achived through