Influence of play partner relationships on the hedonic value of different tasks in Pokémon GO

Although many studies have examined Pokémon GO, few have explored the role of play partner relationships in Pokémon GO. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted to determine how play partner relationships influence players’ perceived hedonic value. A total of 6 hedonic value dimensions and 16 task types were identified through a literature review and player interviews. In terms of hedonic value, players with fixed play partners reported significantly higher levels of spatial exploration compared with solo players. In terms of social interactions, players with fixed and nonfixed play partners scored higher than solo players did. Despite these findings, no significant between-group differences were observed in the dimensions of physical activity, achievement, self-gratification, or relaxation. Each task differently contributed to the hedonic value of social interactions, depending on partner relationships. For example, tasks such as ‘Visit PokéStops’ and ‘Battle at Gyms/Win Gym Battles’ promoted broader social interactions for players with fixed or nonfixed play partners, facilitating encounters with unfamiliar players and enabling the formation of new social ties. By contrast, tasks such as ‘Interact with Buddy’ and ‘Perform Consecutive Nice/Great/Excellent Throws’ fostered deeper interactions among fixed play partners, strengthening relationships with close friends and family members.