Running Away with the Pokemon Go Gang: Three Consumption Needs

Pokemon Go, the study case of the current research, is one of the most popular augmented reality games today. The importance of the study lies in characterizing Pokemon Go players according to demographic groups and their motivations for playing AR games. The data were collected via a web-based survey open for Pokemon Go Players, who currently play or had recently played Pokemon Go all over Israel. The data were collected via a web-based survey which was distributed in Pokemon GO forums and was answered by 488 players. (N = 488, male = 67%, female = 33%, age mean 25.05, age SD = 8, age range = 14-73) with diverse demographic characteristics in order to understand their activity in relation to Yee's model of motivationsand while relying on the motivational questionnaire for MOGQ network games. It was found that there are more Pokemon Go players among young, secular men from central Israel, who are highly educated and possess middle-income and above. It was found that Pokemon Go provides players with a number of needs: Escapism, the central and leading motive; Achievement; and Relationships. In light of these results, it is evident that Pokemon Go provides added value to players. In the future, this technology will probably be assimilated into additional games and bridge social gaps, providing significant added value to the rest of society by satisfying various needs.

Automated summary

The study focused on characterizing Pokemon Go players according to demographic groups and motivations for playing AR games, finding that young, secular men from central Israel with higher education and income are the main players. The game provides players with needs such as escapism, achievement, and relationships, indicating added value for players and the potential for future technology to bridge social gaps.