Last week Niantic released an augmented reality (AR) game. The game is an app available on both Android and IOS platforms and uses Google Maps. I'm talking about Pokémon Go, the app that has pretty much the entire world going crazy trying to find Pikachu. And if you haven't heard of it yet, let me tell you that less than a week after its release the app added over $7 billion to Nintendo's worth.
Pokémon Go is based off the popular Japanese cartoon series and Nintendo video game "Pokémon." Where trainers collect pocket monsters (that's where "Pokémon" comes from, clever right?) and raise them for companionship and to fight other trainers' monsters. The cartoon series follows a young boy named Ash Ketchum and his friends as he journeys through the world of Pokémon to become the very best. In the video games, players have their own Pokémon adventure. They can pick which pokémon they want to start off with and they level up their pokémon as they face trainers and gym leaders going through the game's story.
Now, I understand why some people would say it's overrated and why some dislike the app. There have been instances of people not paying attention to their surroundings and hurting themselves and those around them. And these instances do cause me to worry about the app's future. But, I will forever be in favor of this game and let me tell you why.
The Pokémon series has always been a hero's journey tale. It's a classic tale of a young boy growing up and facing the trials that life throws at him and making the tough decisions. It's a story of friendship, and learning about how to treat not just the people around you but also the land and animals around you.
And for a little girl who grew up watching as Ash and his friends face the impossible, I became a believer in the power of friendship. As Ash grew up so did I, and as I watched him raise his pokémon I desperately wanted some of my own.
Pokémon Go made something I only ever dreamed of a reality. Sure the pokémon still aren't real, but, as a player of both the app and the video games, there is still a feeling that you're starting your own adventure. Pokémon has always been about growing up and as Pokémon Go was released it brought back the childhood memories of those that watched the series and played the games.
The app has brought back the feeling of awe and amazement into the world for a generation of children who grew up watching Ash and wanting an adventure of their own. It's encouraging the next generation to get out and be active. And for me, I'm living out a dream. I'll see you out there trainers. Be safe and remember you gotta catch 'em all.
