Why do people play location-based augmented reality games: A study on Pokemon GO

Pokemon GO brought the location-based augmented reality games into the mainstream. To understand why people play these games, we created an online survey (n = 2612) with open questions about the reasons to start, continue, and quit playing Pokemon GO, and composed categories of the answers through a thematic analysis. Earlier experiences especially with the same franchise, social influence, and popularity were the most common reasons to adopt the game, while progressing in the game was the most frequently reported reason to continue playing. The player's personal situation outside the game and playability problems were the most significant reasons to quit the game. In addition to shedding more light on the Pokemon GO phenomenon, the findings are useful for both further studying and designing location-based augmented reality game experiences.