Augmented Reality Video Games: A Commentary on What All Parents andDoctors Should Know

Abstract

This commentary highlights the risks and benefits associated with an increasingly popular video game format, the augmented-reality video game (ARG). ARGs are different from typical video games in that they combine live views of the real world with the computer generated video game into one interface. Despite the recent popularity of one ARG in particular, Pokemon GO, relatively little information has yet been provided to pediatricians and parents about the benefits and dangers that ARGs can offer to children. This article aims to illuminate the potential harms and benefits of this type of video game in order to best protect the safety of its young users.