Location-based Mobile Games in mHealth: A Preliminary Study of Pokémon Go in Promoting Health Exercising

Abstract

Location-based mobile games such as Pokémon Go might improve players’ physical activities (e.g., walking) and social interactions. With a limited research on mobile exergaming activities, this study examined relationships among Pokémon Go players’ gaming activities, willingness to communicate, and the likelihood of engaging in exercises. Our study showed that the longer participants had been playing the game, the higher the likelihood that they would engage in exercises. Our findings revealed a positive relationship between exercise during gameplay and willingness to communicate with other players. Our study provides implications to the use of location-based mobile games to promote health campaigns and improve the general health of the population.