Sep 2, 2024 3:45 PM
To be confirmed
Cancelled

Exploring Pokémon GO: the Semiotic Interplay of Virtual Creatures and Physical Geographies

Exploring Pokémon GO: the Semiotic Interplay of Virtual Creatures and Physical Geographies

Panel:
[PA] Semiotics of Videogames, Interactive, and Generative Media (Kristian Bankov, Everardo Reyes, Mattia Thibault)
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Speaker:
Tippayaporn Pavavimol
Tampere University
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While Pokémon GO has been extensively studied since its release, it still holds value as a case study due to its ongoing cultural impact and contributions to augmented reality’s development. There is a lack of research from a semiotic perspective, particularly on the interplay of virtual entities and physical spaces and how they create meaning conveyed within the game world. Therefore, the study aims to explore the relationship between Pokémon as virtual entities and real-world locations to better understand the semiotic dynamics in AR experiences. To achieve this, we will adopt Gérard Genette's concept of 'Transtextuality' to investigate how virtual Pokémon are placed in relation to real-world geographic features, weather conditions, and cultural landmarks to reveal the layers of meaning woven into the game's design. The study will also focus on 'regional Pokémon,' exclusive creatures found only in specific areas. We will analyze how the background story of Pokémon is translated into an AR game experience by taking a closer look into the nine major Pokémon regions — Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea that share similarities in geography and demographics to regions in the real world. Finally, our analysis seeks to illustrate the ways in which Pokémon GO leverages virtual elements to create a meaningful connection between the digital and physical realms. This, in turn, provides valuable insights into the broader knowledge on the semiotics dimensions of AR experiences and the construction of spatial narratives in digital landscapes.

Location:
2.118 room, WLS (Dobra 55 street)

Explore Sessions

02
September
9:30
-
10:30
Location:
Mickiewicz Hall, Auditorium Maximum (Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28 str.)
Congress events
Opening Ceremony

September 2, 2024
Congress events
Mickiewicz Hall, Auditorium Maximum (Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28 str.)
02
September
10:30
-
11:30
Location:
Mickiewicz Hall, Auditorium Maximum (Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28 str.)
From Signs of Language to Semioses of Life: Paradigms and Turns in Global Semiotics

September 2, 2024
Mickiewicz Hall, Auditorium Maximum (Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28 str.)
02
September
11:30
-
12:15
Location:
Australia Hall, WLS (Dobra 55 street)
Catering
Coffee break [catering]

September 2, 2024
Catering
Australia Hall, WLS (Dobra 55 street)
Tippayaporn Pavavimol