The Geography of Pokémon GO: Beneficial and Problematic Effects on Places and Movement (1903.12041v1)

Abstract: The widespread popularity of Pok\'emon GO presents the first opportunity to observe the geographic effects of location-based gaming at scale. This paper reports the results of a mixed methods study of the geography of Pok\'emon GO that includes a five-country field survey of 375 Pok\'emon GO players and a large scale geostatistical analysis of game elements. Focusing on the key geographic themes of places and movement, we find that the design of Pok\'emon GO reinforces existing geographically-linked biases (e.g. the game advantages urban areas and neighborhoods with smaller minority populations), that Pok\'emon GO may have instigated a relatively rare large-scale shift in global human mobility patterns, and that Pok\'emon GO has geographically-linked safety risks, but not those typically emphasized by the media. Our results point to geographic design implications for future systems in this space such as a means through which the geographic biases present in Pok\'emon GO may be counteracted.

• The paper uses mixed-methods analysis of Pokémon GO players and game data to reveal how the game impacts geographic movement and places, highlighting algorithmic biases.
• The study identifies significant algorithmic bias in game element distribution, with much higher density in urban areas and disparities linked to minority populations.
• Gameplay significantly changes player movement patterns, prompting many to visit new locations and influencing local economies, social dynamics, and player safety.

An Analysis of the Geographic Impact of Pokémon GO

In recent years, the advent of location-based gaming has provided researchers with valuable insights into the intersection between gaming, geography, and societal structures. A prominent example of this phenomenon is Pokémon GO, whose massive global success fundamentally altered the traditional understanding of human-computer interaction (HCI). The paper "The Geography of Pokémon GO: Beneficial and Problematic Effects on Places and Movement" explores this domain by analyzing the game's impact on geographic movement and place characteristics, revealing underlying algorithmic biases.

Core Findings and Methodology

The authors of this paper employ a mixed-methods design composed of a quantitative geostatistical analysis and a qualitative survey conducted across five countries. By leveraging data from 375 in-the-wild Pokémon GO players and geographic distributions of game elements like "PokéStops," the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of Pokémon GO's geographic effects.

Through this approach, the authors highlight five significant findings:

1. Reinforcement of Geographical Advantages: The paper shows a disparity in the distribution of PokéStops, with higher densities in urban areas with smaller minority populations. Urban places thus gain an advantage over rural locales, evidenced by a PokéStop density approximately 97 times greater in urban areas compared to rural ones.
2. Shift in Human Movement Patterns: Pokémon GO effectively catalyzed an atypical large-scale change in global movement patterns. Approximately 60% of the paper's participants visited new locations that they wouldn’t have otherwise, indicating a significant shift in human spatial behavior attributable to location-based gaming.
3. Economic Implications: Individuals were reported to spend money at new locations visited as a result of gameplay, suggesting economic activity is influenced by these movement shifts.
4. Social Aspect of Gameplay: The paper highlights group rather than individual gameplay as a common aspect, with 70% of players typically engaging in the game in groups, reinforcing social behavior dynamics linked with geographic movements.
5. Safety Risks Related to Movement: While risky place-related behavior was less frequently reported, significant movement-related safety risks were identified, with about 33% of players experiencing environmental hazards due to distracted gameplay.

Implications and Future Work

This paper implies that location-based games like Pokémon GO not only alter where individuals choose to go but also reinforce pre-existing social and racial biases present in geospatial data used to structure gameplay. For instance, predominantly white, non-Hispanic areas see lower PokéStop density, which underscores an algorithmic bias that favors socially advantaged groups. The paper proposes several strategies game designers could employ to counteract such biases, including utilizing diverse geographic data sources and dynamically adapting game features based on user demographics.

The research executed within this paper provides a novel lens for examining location-based gaming and its potential to inform future geographic and urban planning policies. Expanding this work to include a broader range of spatial data across different countries would enhance the generalizability of findings. Moreover, further exploration of the deeper behavioral impacts of location-based gaming on human movement and the proactive mitigation of inherent design biases will become increasingly critical as such technologies become further embedded into daily life.

In conclusion, the geographical analysis of Pokémon GO transcends mere gameplay exploration—shedding light on broader socio-spatial patterns within augmented reality and location-based technologies, challenging us to rethink our approaches to geographic algorithm design and its tangible effects on society.