Dissertation: Assessing Factors Influencing Pokémon Go Players

This dissertation investigates the factors influencing players' engagement with Pokémon Go, a popular location-based mobile game. The study begins with an overview of the game's background and the impact of information and communication technology on the gaming industry. The research employs both primary and secondary data collection methods, including a thematic analysis of data gathered from a sample of 50 participants using snowball sampling. The analysis reveals that attractive graphics, real-world game integration, and the opportunity for exploration are key motivators for players. The dissertation further explores the advantages and disadvantages of location-based games, along with strategies to mitigate potential risks. The structure includes an introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and conclusion, providing a comprehensive understanding of player motivations and the broader context of mobile gaming.

Dissertation on assessing factors
which influence the player to play
Pokémon Go

ABSTRACT
Development in the information and communication technology has tended to brought
many changes in number of industries. The benefit of this new technology is also gained by
gaming industry and result of this is Pokémon Go game. Pokémon Go is been gradually coming
the category of popular location based game in the present scenario. It is free to play location
based reality game which is developed by Niantic. People can play such game by downloading it
in their mobile. Thus, for playing this, players do not have to incur any financial cost. The
present study is carried out on the topic of assessing the factors which influences players to play
Pokémon Go. With an aim to conduct respective study, assistance has been taken from different
research methodology tools and techniques. Herein, the data for the present study has been
gathered by making use of both primary and secondary means. This study has been carried out
upon 50 sample and they are collected by using snow ball sampling technique. However, the
gathered data has been analysed with the help of thematic approach. On the basis of conducted
analysis, it is found out that attractive graphics, real world connection of game and opportunity
to take people from one place to another have been regarded as some of major factors which are
influencing players to play Pokémon Go game.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................6
1.1 Background of the study...................................................................................................6
1.2 Problem statement............................................................................................................7
1.3 Aim and objectives of the study......................................................................................7
1.4 Research questions...........................................................................................................7
1.5 Significance of the study..................................................................................................8
1.6 Dissertation structure........................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................10
2.2 Introduction of location based mobile game and its history...........................................10
2.3 About Pokémon Go........................................................................................................11
2.4 Factors that influence the player of play Pokémon Go .................................................12
2.5 Disadvantages of location based game ..........................................................................14
2.6 Ways for mitigating the limitations of location based game .........................................15
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..........................................................................18
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................18
3.2 Research philosophy.......................................................................................................18
3.3 Research approach..........................................................................................................19
3.4 Research strategy............................................................................................................20
3.5 Research purpose............................................................................................................20
3.6 Data collection ...............................................................................................................21
3.7 Sample and sampling......................................................................................................22
3.8 Data analysis ..................................................................................................................22
3.9 Ethical consideration......................................................................................................23
3.10 Researcher limitation ...................................................................................................23
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................24
4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................24
4.2 Thematic analysis ..........................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ....................................................34

5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................34
5.2 Recommendation ...........................................................................................................36
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................38
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................41
Appendix 1: Questionnaire for Pokémon Go players ..........................................................41

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Research philosophy...............................................................................................18
Illustration 2: Theme 1...................................................................................................................25
Illustration 3: Theme 2...................................................................................................................26
Illustration 4: Theme 3...................................................................................................................27
Illustration 5: Theme 4...................................................................................................................28
Illustration 6: Theme 5...................................................................................................................30
Illustration 7: Theme 6...................................................................................................................31
Illustration 8: Theme 7...................................................................................................................32

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
A significant development in Information Technology has brought several revolutions in
many industries. Hence, benefit of the same has also being gained by mobile gaming sector.
Herein, it is examined that in today's scenario, mobile gaming industry is gaining immense
popularity (Wetzel, Blum and Oppermann, 2012). It is due to the presence of many factors
among which the major one is smartphone that can be considered as one such factor which is
making this industry able to gain higher profits. Prior to the development of smartphone, there
were general and basic games that have been introduced in the mobile phone such as Snake.
According to the viewpoints of Irwin, Kline and Streeter, (2013), major aim of these games is to
reduce the boredom of individuals and to entertain them. In the year 2000, mobile game has
gained an immense popularity in Japan's mobile phone culture. Here, till the year 2003, there is a
wide variety of mobile games that have been found in Japanese mobile phone and some
examples of the same are puzzle game and virtual pet title which makes use of mobile camera
and finger print scanner technology. These are some inbuilt mobile games.
However, some other games have also been introduced which can be downloaded by
users from the app store and these games are Angry bird, Rolando and Fight Control. Apart from
that, nowadays, a very new and different type of concept has been developed in the mobile
gaming industry. In accordance with the given context, it can be said that now, people have the
option to physically get involved in games of their mobile phones. Hence, the game such as
Pokémon Go is being one of the biggest examples of the same. It is the location based mobile
game which is developed by Niantic in July 2016. This game is for iOS and Android mobile
users. It is played by using GPS (Global positioning System) feature of mobile. This system is
used with an aim to locate and track the virtual creatures which is called by the name of
Pokémon. This game was first released in the nations such as Australia, United States and New
Zealand. However, after gaining immense popularity, the game was introduced in several other
countries too. This game is highly popular among the young people who prefer to travel from
one place to another.
This study is based on the topic “To identify the factors which influence players to play
Pokémon Go”. Hence, in the given dissertation, detailed explanation will be given regarding the
fact that why people are attracted more towards location based mobile games. Complete focus of

respective study has been on the game, Pokémon Go. This dissertation will make use of different
research methodologies in order to gain in-depth insight in the examined problem.
1.2 Problem statement
Main and basic problem which is related with location based game is of increased
number of accidents. This is because, in the given game, user or player will have to play the
game in actual real world situation. For example, take the case of Pokémon Go, there are several
socking incidents that have been associated with the given game (Celino, 2015). Like, in this
game, players will have to search Pokémon by using their mobile GPS devices. Pokémon can be
located at any place, even at the locations which are more prone to accidents. Thus, it can be
considered as a type of game which may include risk for the life of people. But, still there are
many individuals who are attracted towards this game. Thus, this study reveals answer to the
question that which factor induces players to play Pokémon Go.
1.3 Aim and objectives of the study
Main aim of given study is to assess the factors which influence the player to play
Pokémon Go. Here, on the basis of given aim, following objectives are framed for the current
study:
 To define the concept of location based mobile game especially with respect to Pokémon
Go.
 To examine the factors which has influenced player to play Pokémon Go.
 To assess the disadvantages which are related the location based game.
 To recommend the ways of mitigating limitations which are associated with Pokémon
Go.
1.4 Research questions
On the basis of above mentioned objectives, study tends to give answer to the following
questions:
 What is the concept of location based mobile game with respect to Pokémon Go?
 What are the factors which has influenced player to play Pokémon Go?
 What are the disadvantages which are related the location based game?
 What are the ways of mitigating limitations which are associated with Pokémon Go?

1.5 Significance of the study
Study which is conducted on the topic of assessing factors which influence the player to
play Pokémon Go has its benefits for number of people. The respective study has its significance
for the scholars who are also performing their study in mobile gaming industry. By taking
assistance from the given study, researchers can explore several new ways which are associated
with this sector (Jordan and et.al., 2013). Hence, it is through this way only, they can prepare
some new base regarding their conducted study. Furthermore, the respective study has its benefit
for different companies which make the mobile games. Herein, this study gives explanation
about different limitations which are related with the location based mobile game.
Thus, by working upon the given limitations, mobile companies can gain benefit in the
form of maintaining satisfaction level of buyers in an effectual way (Schmitz and et.al., 2015).
The satisfaction level of buyers is affected when firm does not make efforts for improving their
own services effectually. In addition to this, conducted study has its benefit for students and
PHD scholar too. This is because, given study assists them in their knowledge improvement.
1.6 Dissertation structure
Present study has been structured in the following form: Chapter 1 Introduction: First chapter of dissertation which is related with the topic of
assessing factors which influence the players to play Pokémon Go is of introduction. In
the given chapter, brief explanation has been given regarding respective game. This
section also gives explanation about problem which is related with the current study. Chapter 2 Literature Review: It is the second chapter of study. In the given section,
number of secondary sources have been used in order to get in-depth details regarding
conducted study. These sources include books, journals and online articles (Procyk and
Neustaedter, 2013). Chapter 3 Research methodology: This section gives description about varied research
tools and techniques which have been used by the researcher in order to conduct study in
an effectual manner. Success of dissertation thoroughly rely upon the given section. This
is due to the fact that with the help of given section, scholar can make his effort for
attaining the formulated aim and objectives of current study. Chapter 4 Data analysis and discussion: In this section, data collected by researcher has
been analysed through making use of different tools and techniques (Schell, 2014). Thus,

this section of the study tend to give description about the specific statistical technique
which has been used in present study.
 Chapter 5 Conclusion and recommendation: Conclusion which has been gained from
conducted study has been determined in the given section. In the given section only,
explanation has also been given about the recommendation.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review may be served as a technique in which secondary data sources are
critically evaluated by the researcher. It is the process in which scholar evaluates the books,
journals and other articles which are published by the other researcher. This process enables
researcher to evaluate the findings as well as theoretical framework of other scholars which is
highly related to the research issue. Through this, researcher becomes able to prepare thesis
which assists them in gaining deeper understanding in relation to the location based game. This
in turn helps investigator in analysing the collected data effectually. Moreover, scholar can
analyse data in the best possible way only when he/she has better understanding about topic. In
this way, by evaluating findings of different researchers, scholar can present fair solution of the
research issue.
This chapter of dissertation will shed light on the features of Pokémon Go game. Besides
this, it will also discuss about the way in which location based games are developed with the
changes or advancements which are taking place in ICT sector. Literature review section will
also develop understanding about the features which make the game of Pokémon Go more
popular. Further, it will also discuss the aspects which affect the popularity and usage of location
based mobile games. Along with this, it will also assess the ways through which problems
associated with the location based mobile games can be mitigated. Hence, by evaluating all such
factors, researcher becomes able to prepare thesis for the section of data analysis. Thus, by
gaining deeper insight about all such issues, researcher can present fair outcomes or solution by
analysing the gathered information.
2.2 Introduction of location based mobile game and its history
According to Reinhardt and Heinig (2016), location based games may be defined as a
type of pervasive game which help in assessing the progress of player’s location. Location based
games include some mechanism which allow players to give report about their place. It occurs
through the means of localization technology such as satellite positioning through GPS.
Chatzidimitris Gavalas and Michael, (2016) said that urban gaming or street gaming implies for
the multi-player location based games which are usually played on city streets. This is turn helps
in building up an urban environment. Along with this, games in which mobile devices are used

by the player are known as location based mobile games. Examples of these games include
BotFighters, Ingress and Pokémon Go.
Mandeville and Crossley, (2016) found that there is high level of revolution that takes
place in the gaming industry. In previous years, people play on computers and TV through the
means of video games. Along with this, higher technological advancements have made major
contribution in the mobile gaming industry. Snake was the only game which was played by
smartphone users earlier. Hence, by taking into account the boredom of players, there are several
games which have been introduced by Japanese in the mobile phones in 2000 and 2003. It
includes puzzle game, virtual pet title, etc. However, Mueller and Isbister, (2014) argued that
there are also some games introduced which can be downloaded by the users or players from app
store such as Rolando, Angry bird, etc. In the year 2016, Pokémon Go and other games are
introduced which offer opportunity to the players to get physically involved. This in turn
develops interest level of the player to a significant level. On the basis of such aspect, it can be
said that ICT advancements has brought substantial changes in the mobile gaming industry in a
highly positive way.
2.3 About Pokémon Go
Neustaedter and Judge, (2012) asserted that Pokémon Go is one of the most popular
location based games in the present scenario. It is free to play location based reality game which
is developed by Niantic. People can play such game by downloading it in their mobile. Thus, for
playing this, players do not have to incur any financial cost. However, it is to be critically
evaluated by Suess and Mody, (2016) that people can play and enjoy the game of Pokémon Go
when they have IOS and android devices. In July (2016), such game was introduced by its owner
in the selected countries. In this game, GPS device is used by the player to locate, capture, battle
and train virtual creatures which is known as Pokémon.
As per the viewpoints of Reinhardt and Heinig, (2016) for playing Pokémon Go, one
needs to catch it firstly. Individuals play this game by opening such app on the mobile phone. In
this, phone will buzz if Pokémon is nearby. Thus, by tapping the Pokémon map, player can
switch for catching the interface. Rossitto, Barkhuus and Engström (2016) presented that
Pokémon Go game also helps in identifying the extent to which it is easy for the player to find
Pokémon through the means of colour. For instance, Green colour indicates easiest, yellow
intermediate and red implies that it is highly difficult for the player to catch Pokémon. In

addition to this, power of Pokémon can be found at different CP levels. Stardust and Pokémon’s
specific candy are two main CP's which can be undertaken by the player. In this game, player
makes use of Pokémon’s candies for raising its combat power level.
In accordance with the viewpoints of Lai and et.al., (2016), different Pokémon are found
at distinct places. In this, player can enhance the level of character by play and crossing the
everylevel of game. There are several levels which turn up the character of Pokemon Go include
fighting at a gym, visiting pokestops etc. In this, player enjoys the gifts when he reaches at a new
level. On the basis of this aspect, once player reaches at level five then he/she has the chance to
choose one from three coded fractions. Such coded fractions include red team Valour, yellow
team instinct and the blue team mystic. By selecting one fraction, player can conduct battle with
other trainers in the gym.
Suominen (2016) stated that gym is in-game locations which is tied with the major real
areas of world namely Bryant park fountain or time square. It is the place where player can battle
with other trainers. If player held gym by fraction then he has chance to select single Pokémon
and train it in against to the other members of team. Under this, player has an opportunity to earn
high bonus and thereby, getting more poke coins (Lai and et.al., 2016). Further, battling in
Pokémon Go may be defined as a simplified version of the classic game . In this, battle is
continuously running until the Pokémon becomes fainted. Hence, these are the main features of
Pokémon which are included in this game.
2.4 Factors that influence the player of play Pokémon Go
In accordance with the viewpoints of Bressler and Bodzin, (2013), youngsters and
teenagers are the one who take high level of interest in Pokémon Go. Moreover, it is the most
famous cartoon show which child sees in their childhood. It is one of the main aspects which
attracted people or players to play such game. It is one of the main causes due to which such
game is highly popular among youngsters and teenagers. However, Neustaedter and Judge,
(2012) critically evaluated that such game uses extreme battery power. The reason behind this is
that such game makes use of multiple functions of player’s phone. In this, players of such game
has to carry power bank with themselves.
From assessment, Wetzel, Blum and Oppermann, (2012) assessed that Pokémon Go is
the game which completely involves individuals in it, that is, mentally as well as physically. In
this, player feels that he/she is on the place of Pokémon. It evolves feeling among the players