For all of us who were raised on the dream of becoming the next Pokemon master, we are now one step closer. Actually, we can refer to our smartphones to see just how many steps closer we really are. With the recent release of Pokemon Go, people all over the world have been giving their phone pedometers a workout. Even though we’re still staring at our cell phone screens, we’re getting out more; that’s definitely a positive aspect of the app.

People have been talking about how easy it has become to interact with others due to this common interest. Social anxiety and depression are no match for the Pokemon millennial community.

While I haven’t been able to do my share of wandering around, wasting away my limited data plan like the rest of the world, my friend has walked some trails and experienced Pokemon in the real world.

Living his dream.

And so many others are, as well.

From GPS-generated locations of gyms and “Pokestops” to the potential to use your phone’s camera to see the Pokemon in a variety of locations, there are a lot of things this app can, and does, do.

Some are complaining about the fact that so many children (ages 12 or younger) who didn’t grow up with the franchise are getting into it with the release of the app. People have even blamed those youngsters for the constant crashing of the servers - whether that’s true or not, who knows.

Either way, I’m just happy that it’s bringing people together. I’m also pretty enthused at how much the Pokemon franchise has grown, and the way in which Pokemon Go is showcasing that very growth.

I remember when I started playing Pokemon at around 10 years of age; that first game I was introduced to was Crystal version. The graphics were pixilated, the sprites were just beginning to have animations and there were only a little over 200 of the creatures total. And now, we’re in 2016, in a world where we can go out into the real world and search the sidewalks, streets and alleyways for our favorites.

I haven’t been a fan of the last few generations (X, Y, Black and White versions). My favorite Pokemon will always come from Kanto and Johto, some from Hoenn as well. So I’m glad that so far it’s only Pokemon from Kanto available in PokeGo. However, I’m looking forward to seeing how they plan to keep it going, as they’ve been improving the entirety of the Pokemon world over the last 20 years.

Pokemon Go is going to be the thing that brings people together and recharges the millennials’ love of the games, movies, television series and everything that it’s brought to the table.

While some 20-somethings might be annoyed that youngsters are coming into our territory, at least we can revel in the fact that we have arrived at this point in the franchise’s glory.

A tip from one Pokemon trainer to another: go to the zoo. You’ll thank me later.