Exploring How Pokémon Play Shapes Identity Through Case Study

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Technology and Life-Wide Learning Across Settings

Abstract

This qualitative case study explores how playing Pokémon affected the lives of two adult players. It provides a better understanding of players beliefs about how Pokémon influenced their identity and why they continue playing. Our data sources included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, follow-up questions and artifacts. Through open coding we identified themes of early support, socialization, competition and media production; we then crystallized themes to construct the case narratives. This study extends prior research on the value of games and media to shape identity. Talking directly to participants heavily invested in Pokémon play deepens the understanding of how and why their experiences profoundly shape identity through increased socialization, closer family relationships, creative media production, and status within the game community.

Authors

• Juan Li, Clemson University

• Allyson Davis, Clemson University

• Danielle Christine Herro, Clemson University