I'm sure you've had several encounters, walking or driving, with people playing "Pokémon GO." Usually these people are determined, livid or on cloud nine. So what is this Pokémon game that everyone can't stop talking about? More importantly, what's the hype?
"Pokémon GO" is a phone app that has simply transformed the way everyone casually lives life. It gives any user the power to go around town and have a chance at catching Pokémon in real-life places. The application uses GPS to follow your footsteps to try to find Pokémon "close" to you — so yes, you have to actually move in real life. As you walk around, Pokémon pop up through the phone screen. When you see them, you have to click on them to battle them and add them to your "Pokedex."
Last night, I was walking through a downtown area when I noticed a group of college-aged kids sitting on a bench Pokémon they were all on their phones. Instantly, I knew to pull out my phone and open the app. The app uses monuments and statues to create "Pokestops." These are places where you can pick up items to help you in the game, such as Pokeballs, incense to attract Pokemon to you or even potion to help your Pokemon after battle. We ended up sitting on a bench in front of a statue for 30 minutes while a friend of mine, Andy, used a "lure" on this Pokestop to attract Pokemon to this particular area — rather than just to himself. I found four very strong Pokemon here.
If you're confused thus far, you probably have no familiarity with Pokémon. In the '90s, young kids would play Pokémon on the Nintendo Game Boys. As popularity increased, they transformed their way into a card game where kids could battle their Pokémon to build their Pokémon family. "Pokémon GO" is free on the app store for everyone to enjoy. With the app being released on Tuesday (July 5), it is already sitting first in the U.S. App Store.
I'm sure you've had several encounters with people playing "Pokémon GO." Usually, these people are determined, walking around very slowly and occasionally stopping dead in their tracks trying to search for creatures created by Niantic, the Nintendo Company. So what is this Pokémon game that everyone can't stop talking about?
Many users with mental health issues have attributed their increasing happiness and sense of being to the game. The game has helped many people get out of the house — those who would not otherwise. The feeling of accomplishment from catching the Pokémon has made them feel comfortable in public. Unlike being in a social situation in which they don't feel like they can relate to others, Pokémon has brought insane numbers of people together to enjoy the same thing.
Local companies have had no complaints, with business increasing due to Pokéstops located in/around them. My work has even begun to wonder how they can pay to put a Pokéstop in the restaurant. It's a smart idea to help local businesses who struggle during the summer months to reach their regular profit goals.
All in all, as many people think "Pokémon GO" may just be a fad, I think it is here to stay for a while.
