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Who Is Still Playing Pokémon Go? A Web-Based Survey
Peter Rasche1, Anna Schlomann2, Alexander Mertens1
1Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
JMIR Serious Games
|April 7, 2017
Summary
Pokémon Go motivates physical activity through game-specific features for active users and general game quality for former users. Understanding these motivations can enhance long-term engagement with augmented reality exergames.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Game Design
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a major public health concern in Western societies.
- Digital tools like activity trackers and fitness apps aim to increase physical activity.
- Serious games integrating real-world activity show short-term increases in user engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate motivational factors of Pokémon Go for continued use or abandonment.
- Identify aspects motivating augmented reality (AR) exergame players.
- Determine how motivation can sustain initial interest in physical activity.
Main Methods:
- 199 participants completed a web-based survey.
- Participants were grouped as active, former, or nonusers of Pokémon Go.
- Survey assessed game experience, physical activity, motivation, and personality (Big Five Inventory).
Main Results:
- Active users reported higher motivation from Pokémon-specific features (e.g., catching Pokémon, leveling up).
- Former users prioritized general game quality (e.g., AR, challenges).
- Personality traits did not influence starting or abandoning the game.
Conclusions:
- AR exergame design should incorporate diverse motivating elements.
- Tailoring features to different user types (active vs. former) can enhance long-term engagement.
- Understanding user motivation is key to promoting sustained physical activity through exergames.