This study explores the complexity of the connection between Pokémon Go play experience and players’ affection toward their physical surroundings from the environmental psychology and the media entertainment perspectives. The survey results of a stratified sample of 1,088 respondents showed that four dimensions of perceived realism—simulational realism, freedom of choice, integrated presence, and perceptual pervasiveness—positively influenced game enjoyment. Co-presence positively predicted game enjoyment while perceived crowding was negatively related to game enjoyment. Game involvement partially mediated the relationship between co-presence and game enjoyment, and game involvement also mediated the relationship between game enjoyment and place attachment. Theoretical implications on linking human behaviors and their affectional connections to physical places via the virtual gaming world are also discussed.
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