Most people have heard of the extremely popular new app called "Pokémon Go." Through the app you can go out and search for Pokémon, visit Pokéstops and battle at gyms.
I am personally a proud "Pokémon Go" player. I have walked more since I've gotten the game than I have in a long time. I love that the game is getting people active, especially the antisocial, nerdy people who usually sit inside all day. It helps that the game rewards you for walking. The only way to hatch eggs that you get from Pokéstops is to walk the amount the egg says. I think this new app might help get our country moving again and stop the obesity statistics from rising.
Another great thing about "Pokémon Go" is that it is for all ages. All you need is a device to play it on. In my family, three out of the four of us play. It allows us to connect and have fun with each other. My mom, my brother, and I will often go Pokémon hunting when we are bored. All the actions in the game are pretty simple, so anyone can be taught. My mom picked it up almost immediately and does two phones at once when I'm driving. Even my 81 year old grandma understands the concept. I'm hoping this can bring the generations a little bit closer.
Searching for Pokéstops is also a really fun part of the game. On the map in the app, they show up as little blue cubes until you get close enough to them. When you get close enough, they look like blue Pokéballs and you spin them to collect items and eggs. Pokéstops are often historic places, works of art, monuments or memorials, and religious establishments. Most churches are Pokéstops and are using that as an opportunity to minister to the Pokémon Go players that are visiting the church. I think that is a great opportunity for Christians to do what we are called to do: spread Christianity. Pokéstops are also helping businesses and towns by getting people out and increasing business.
In "Pokémon Go" you have to choose a team: Mystic (blue), Valor (red), or Instinct (yellow). When you battle at a gym you are trying to take it over for your team. You can also send a Pokémon to defend a gym that is already your teams. You can earn Pokécoins to buy things in the shop by defending a gym. The team mentality gives you some drive to want to take gyms for your team and makes it a little competitive.
Now I have a short blurb for the haters. First of all, it is not the game's fault that humans are stupid and do stupid things. You have to be careful regardless of what you are doing and people need to remember that.
