philip lelyveld The world of entertainment technology

FOUR WAYS CITIES CAN USE AUGMENTED REALITY GAMES LIKE POKÉMON GO TO BOLSTER CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

[The Knight Foundation] partnered with Niantic to explore how Pokémon GO might enhance or augment existing efforts to support vibrant public life.

1. Adapt games for local events. Cities should adapt AR platforms to amplify local strengths and better reflect civic needs. For example, cities can layer walking tours, scavenger hunts and other activities on top of the game, adding value for existing players and integrating play with local campaigns.
2. Invite player networks (not just individuals). Pokémon GO players of all ages often arrived to events in groups and with existing social media networks poised for discussion. Recruiting is also easier through player and fan networks, and cities can help by tapping network leaders, beyond the usual open invitations.
3. Focus digital activity near inviting and accessible physical spaces. Players often want to interact, but bringing people from different backgrounds and walks of life happens more easily when cities position play near inviting physical spaces with seating and food.
4. Bring local culture to online platforms. Players can be connected to global cultures through AR platforms like the Pokémon universe. At the same time, games can engage players with local culture, from murals to local history. In a digital age, cities should increasingly invest in technology innovations that shape how we discover local culture.

See the full story here: https://knightfoundation.org/articles/four-ways-cities-can-use-augmented-reality-games-to-bolster-civic-engagement

and the full report here: https://playfulcity.net/go/pokemon-report/download-report/ (select "download and cite")