Hong Kong heritage @ Pokémon GO

Abstract

Pokémon GO is the world’s first mobile phone-based game that utilizes build-in GPS, graphics and camera capabilities in the mobile device of game player to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings. The game became hugely popular around the world and become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Hong Kong is a part of this global Pokémon GO phenomenon, and since its launch, the game has become a popular entertainment in Hong Kong. The key issue addressed by this dissertation is that using planet-scale AR technology in the real-world application, a pre-existing and proven mobile game platform to widely spread heritage conservation knowledge to public. It is believed that bottom up approach/public participation are the significant and indispensable element to let more people get excited about the past. Pokémon GO is one of the potential social media or iconic and global beloved mobile game that could raise public interest and awareness to explore about the real-world heritage by stepping outside their home. It also links up with communities to go to designated meaning places. This dissertation will investigate the case studies on two ancient cities of Chester in England and Chiayi at Taiwan which partnering with Pokémon GO brand to promote tourism of the cities while promoting their culture heritage values. The research will provide guidance and recommendation for Hong Kong to be one of the partnering cities for holding the Pokémon Go Safari festivals. It aims to promote Hong Hong’s cultural heritage and understand the city’s social-cultural formation by public engagement through stimulating the childhood collective memories.