This study examines how geolocation-based augmented reality (Geo AR) games influence participants' urban flânerie and place perception. Using the "Pikmin Bloom Tour 2025: Kaohsiung" as a case study, the research analyzes a non-linear walking event that guided players through 12 "Special Spots" in the historic Yancheng District. Adopting a mixed methods research design, the study has completed its first phase of field observations and semi-structured interviews. Preliminary qualitative results indicate that the Geo AR missions successfully guided participants into unfamiliar urban alleys, facilitating "digital flânerie". Unlike competitive games, the leisure-based and exploration-focused mechanics of Pikmin Bloom allowed participants to focus on local cultural landscapes and street details, fostering humanistic cognition of the area. The ongoing second phase utilizes a quantitative survey to verify the relationships between flow experience and place attachment. The research anticipates that integrating Geo AR with tourism strengthens the emotional bond between players and physical urban spaces. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how geolocation-based technology extends human perception and intelligence by transforming digital interactions into a deeper understanding of cultural landscapes, thereby enhancing participants' evaluation of local culture and revisit intentions.

Authors:
Yu Jou Lin, National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Taiwan
Nai Yuan Pai, National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Lin Yu Jou is currently a master’s student at the Department of Digital Media Design at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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