In the wake of mobile gaming, people have been addicted to popular new games. Famous titles include Angry Birds, Candy Crush Saga, and the hilariously infuriating (yet sadly short lived) Flappy Bird. However, in my years of playing mobile games, I have never witnessed such a phenomenon as Pokemon Go.
2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Pokemon, one of Nintendo's flagship gaming series in which a player is surrounded by a diverse animal-like species. The premise is simple: Catch and train them all; become the greatest trainer. On April Fool's Day 2014, Google pulled a worldwide prank, saying that anyone can use the Maps feature to find and capture Pokemon throughout the world. The idea was widely celebrated, and a year later, Pokemon Go was in the works. Utilizing mobile GPS, players would roam their surroundings through augmented reality and their phone camera.
Photo Courtesy of Dale Algo
This piece, however, is not necessarily about the wonders of Pokemon Go.
I admit, it is addicting and has promoted physical activity and communication between diverse groups of people. What struck me the most however was how news of the game's release and public reaction skyrocketed during a time of domestic and international turmoil as police killings, ISIS bombings and protests occurred. As my friends took the time to post concerns about the state of the country/world, every other post was Pokemon Go related.
To be clear, I am not claiming that a willing ignorance exists; I notice that Pokemon Go presents an Escapist Reality - a reality that can be interpreted in various connotations.
Escapist Reality 1: A new way to play a game. Video games are an escape from the everyday humdrum and workload. Playing in the streets of Manhattan, I have been super active and made new friends along the way all because of a game. It also allows people to explore their cities.
Escapist Reality 2: A step away from the harshness of life. For millennials, the game is a nostalgic offering, celebrating a time before the world was struck by the political, socio-economic, and international fallout from 9/11. It offers a return to an easier time before reality shattered.
Escapist Reality 3: A way to improve mental health issues. It enables people to cope with their anxiety and depression.
Take these realities with a grain of salt. Despite the programming setbacks of the game, and whether you perceive it as a problem, distraction, or sensation, Pokemon Go has affected communities in some positive ways.
