Hacking droids and casting spells: Locative augmented reality games and the reimagining of the theme park

Abstract

Locative play and augmented reality games are a growing part of consumer games, thanks to successful mobile experiments such as Niantic's Ingress and Pokemon GO. However, while experiments in using locative play to transform a space have been ongoing in the context of campuses, libraries, national parks, and other tourist destinations, such games reach a limited audience and are still viewed as novelties. The growing movement to bring this type of play into theme parks has the potential to change that, as locative augmented reality games such as Disney's Galaxy's Edge experience and Play Disney app gesture to a broader commercial future for locative interactive narrative. In this essay, we document how these commercial games experiences are transforming both guest expectations of theme parks, and broader understandings of locative play.