Motivational Factors, Physical Activity Impacts, and Sociopsychological Effects of Pokémon GO in Players Over the Years: Scoping Review.

Authors

Ghee Kian Koh, Kimberly Mei Yi Low, Shahmir H Ali, Hooi Swang Cheng, Ian Yi Han Ang

Published in

Journal of medical Internet research. Volume 28. Pages e89235. Jul 31, 2026. Epub Jul 31, 2026.

Abstract

Pokémon GO (PoGo) is a global, location-based augmented reality game integrating virtual play with real-world exploration and social interaction. Its mass adoption and evolving physical and social mechanics make it a salient case to assess whether gamified apps can drive sustained behavior change and deliver health benefits. PoGo's effects over the years on physical activity (PA), mental and social well-being, and societal impacts remain unexplored by previous reviews.
This study aimed to map PoGo's impacts over the years on PA and health, mental well-being, social connectivity, and broader societal outcomes; synthesize motivational factors for initiation, continuance, and disengagement; and assess whether gaps noted in early launch-era reviews are addressed by more recent studies.
This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's 5-stage framework and was reported according to PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Eligible studies and gray literature examined PoGo's impacts on physical and mental health and well-being, social and community outcomes, player motivations and notable in-game features, public health applications, and risks. Exclusions included reviews and studies focused solely on technological or augmented reality potential without health or social outcomes. Searches covered August 2016 to December 2025 across Web of Science, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations. Eligible papers were screened by multiple reviewers with consensus resolution. The extracted data were charted in Microsoft Excel and synthesized thematically.
A total of 186 sources were included. Twenty-nine studies reported increases in steps, walking or running distances, and outdoor time. The effects were often short-lived, with more sustained gains among older adults and sedentary or overweight young adults. PoGo play was associated with higher life satisfaction, positive affect, reduced distress and loneliness, and a stronger sense of community. Some cognitive benefits were found in adolescents. Social outcomes were reinforced by PoGo-related interactions, as found in 25 studies. PoGo initiation was driven by nostalgia and novelty. Continuance was supported by the satisfaction of needs and regular content updates. Maladaptive drivers were linked to gaming disorder risk and physical strain. Safety concerns in public spaces were found in 17 studies. Data privacy concerns were also identified. Stationary playing may attenuate PA. Societal impacts included suggested public health applications, tourism and mobility effects, and economic benefits tied to existing and potential events and partnerships.
This scoping review assessed PoGo's impacts through a novel synthesis of PA, mental well-being, and social connectivity research. PoGo is associated with increased walking and reduced loneliness for some demographics, although long-term effects remain unclear. While successful gamified features motivate outdoor activity, concerns exist regarding the associated risks. PoGo demonstrates value for encouraging sedentary individuals toward light PA and social engagement.

PMID:
42536111
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 31 Jul 2026.

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