Augmented Reality of Pokemon Go: Chronotopes, Moral Panic, and Other Complexities

The Augmented Reality of Pokémon GO: Chronotopes, Moral Panic, and Other Complexities explores the impact of Pokémon GO, a smartphone augmented reality game, on how people perceive and interact with their environment. It examines the game's cosmology, space and time, phenomenology, and its link to social issues through "participant observation" and nuanced text analyses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Augmented Reality of Pokémon GO: Chronotopes, Moral Panic, and Other Complexities delves into the intriguing phenomenon of individuals perceiving phenomena that others do not, leading them to act accordingly. This exploration is conducted by examining the aftermath of Pokémon GO, a smartphone augmented reality game, which was launched in July 2016. The game seamlessly integrated the world of Pokémon into the physical realm, captivating 30 million players within the first two weeks. Pokémon GO has introduced novel ways of perceiving and interacting with the environment, enabling us to sense our surroundings, interpret objects, navigate streets, and inhabit specific areas.

This volume employs detailed text analyses and auto-ethnographies of the contributing authors' experiences playing the game, analyzed from anthropological perspectives, to provide nuanced interpretations of this new way of relating to the world: the augmented reality realm of Pokémon GO. Each chapter focuses on specific aspects of this novel experience of the world, including:

The Cosmology of Pokémon GO: This chapter explores the intricate cosmology of the Pokémon world, examining how it intersects with our own understanding of the environment. It delves into the multifaceted ways in which Pokémon GO allows us to connect with our surroundings, from the spiritual and symbolic significance of Pokémon to the practical applications of collecting and battling them.

The Notion of Space and Time in Pokémon GO: This chapter examines the concept of space and time in the game, considering how they are intertwined with the real-world environment. It explores how Pokémon GO's interface with space and time guides our actions, from the strategic planning required for capturing Pokémon to the temporal dynamics of the game's events and challenges.

The Phenomenology of Pokémon GO in Urban Walking: This chapter explores the phenomenology of Pokémon GO in urban walking, examining the complex relationships between the game, public space, nature, modernity, cell phone infrastructure, and urban landscapes. It explores how the game's ambiance is created through the intermingling of insects, animals, birds, humans, history, transportation infrastructure, and trash, creating a unique and immersive experience.

The Link to Wider Social Issues: This chapter examines the game's link to wider social issues as it gets appropriated for "friendly authoritarian" goals of civil society. It explores how Pokémon GO is used to promote social cohesion, health and wellness, education, and environmental awareness. It also discusses the potential commercial gains associated with the game, including the development of related products and services.

Through "participant observation," all contributors to this volume have been avid Pokémon GO players themselves, providing firsthand insights and experiences to enrich the analysis. The volume offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the augmented reality world of Pokémon GO, shedding light on its complexities, implications, and potential for shaping our interactions with the environment and society.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498574938