Intergenerational Locative Play: Augmenting Family

Intergenerational Locative Play: Augmenting Family explores the impact of Pokémon Go on the relationship between parents and their children, highlighting the potential for intergenerational play to strengthen familial connections and promote social, spatial, and physical engagement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Intergenerational Locative Play: Augmenting Family explores the profound social, spatial, and physical effects of the hybrid reality game (HRG) Pokémon Go on the dynamics between parents and their children. The pervasive presence of digital media aligns with a growing body of research that examines the role of digital technologies, including video games, in the lives of children. Consequently, scholars have engaged in lively discussions about the consequences of increasing screen time and the correlation between this trend and issues such as antisocial behavior, mental health-related concerns, and disruptions to family life. However, recent studies have revealed a surprising finding: intergenerational play of video games can actually strengthen familial bonds by fostering communication between adults and children, as well as providing adolescents with the opportunity to experiment with various roles.

While research on intergenerational play has primarily focused on games played within the domestic setting, locative games like Pokémon Go take it to a whole new level by encouraging players to physically interact and navigate their surroundings. Through an original study of Pokémon Go, this book extends the emerging research on intergenerational play to the realm of locative games, offering valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of this form of play.

One of the key findings of Intergenerational Locative Play is that it provides a unique platform for families to engage in shared experiences and activities. By participating in Pokémon Go together, parents and children can bond over shared goals, challenges, and rewards, fostering a stronger sense of connection and collaboration. The game's augmented reality technology also allows players to explore their surroundings in new and exciting ways, creating opportunities for discovery, exploration, and learning.

Moreover, locative games like Pokémon Go can promote physical activity and exercise, which have numerous health benefits for both adults and children. The game encourages players to walk, run, and explore their surroundings, which can improve cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This is particularly important in today's sedentary society, where many children and adults spend excessive amounts of time sitting and playing video games.

However, it is important to note that intergenerational locative play also presents certain challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for screen time to exceed recommended limits, which can have negative effects on children's development, including attention problems, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. Additionally, the game's competitive nature may create tensions and conflicts within families, particularly if players have different skill levels or goals.

To address these challenges, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to set clear guidelines and boundaries for intergenerational locative play. This may include setting limits on screen time, promoting physical activity and exercise outside of the game, and fostering open communication and collaboration among family members. It is also important for developers of locative games to prioritize the safety and well-being of players, particularly children, by incorporating features such as parental controls and age-appropriate content.

In conclusion, Intergenerational Locative Play: Augmenting Family offers a valuable exploration of the social, spatial, and physical impact of the hybrid reality game Pokémon Go on the relationship between parents and their children. By promoting shared experiences, physical activity, and open communication, locative games like Pokémon Go can strengthen familial bonds and promote healthy development. However, it is essential to approach intergenerational play with caution and to prioritize the well-being and safety of all players. As the field of locative games continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this form of play continues to shape and enrich the lives of families and communities.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839091407