Pokémon GO

COVID-19 as Game Changer for Augmented Reality Game Players: Mixed Methods Survey Study

The global pandemic fundamentally altered the engagement patterns of augmented reality game players, serving as a catalyst for maintaining physical activity and mental stability during periods of restricted movement.

• Nearly 50% of the 1,332 surveyed players of location-based games like Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite identified these titles as their primary motivation for leaving home during 2020 lockdowns.
• Frequent engagement with augmented reality games showed a positive correlation with higher self-reported mental well-being scores, acting as a protective factor against pandemic-related isolation and anxiety.
• Developers successfully maintained user bases by rapidly pivoting to 'play-at-home' mechanics, which removed the necessity of visiting specific physical landmarks to complete core gameplay loops.