Pokémon Go as Palimpsest: Creating Layers of Meaning Through Augmented Reality

Pokémon Go functions as a digital palimpsest, overlaying a curated layer of virtual meaning onto the physical world that fundamentally alters how individuals navigate, perceive, and value urban environments. By assigning in-game utility to specific real-world locations, the application transforms routine commutes and liminal non-places into intentional, productive sites of social interaction and exploration. This spatial logic encourages a heightened sense of place, effectively reshaping the way public spaces are occupied, memorialized, and experienced by both players and the broader community.

The study, which draws on student experiences at the University of Guelph, reveals that these digital layers are not neutral. The game’s reliance on developer-defined criteria for identifying significant landmarks often prioritizes Western-centric narratives, which risks reinforcing dominant cultural power structures. By privileging specific types of historical or architectural sites, the platform frequently marginalizes Indigenous knowledge and alternative cultural perspectives. Consequently, the game’s design choices perpetuate existing imbalances in how public space is understood and validated, effectively silencing histories that do not align with the game’s algorithmic framework.

Ultimately, the research highlights the complex intersection of augmented reality, urban geography, and social behavior. While the platform fosters community and encourages physical activity, its spatial architecture has tangible consequences for inclusivity and accessibility. The findings underscore that the digital overlay of Pokémon Go is a powerful tool for shaping human movement, yet it remains constrained by the limitations of its own design. By examining these dynamics, it becomes clear that the virtual layer of reality is deeply embedded in the physical world, exerting a profound influence on the social and political construction of public space.