On July 6, 2016, select countries around the world were overrun with digital pocket monsters we've come to know as Pokemon. Since then, the app has been downloaded by millions of users worldwide who dream of catching them all and everywhere you look, people are talking about it, playing it or possibly both. Most of the media attention so far has been focusing on how to play or what is going to come next for the app, but what does Pokemon Go mean for the future of phone apps and gaming, or even the world?

Pokemon Go is the first video game/phone app to require users to move and interact with the world. Originally, we had the Wii which used motion capture to encourage movement while gaming. The Wii was massively successful and still continues to perform with the newer Wii U, but it had some flaws. The Wii never mandated movement outside of Wii Sports or dancing game, which weren't even exclusive to the Wii. Movements that were there were never more than a few arm swings and because of the fallibility of the sensor, movements were discouraged because they couldn't be accurately interpreted as frequently as they needed to be in order to succeed at the game. Pokemon Go on the other hand doesn't use fallible sensors, it creates a world on top of ours that we as players must go and seek. In other words, our movements don't have direct interpretations into the game, aside from the obvious walking and GPS location. What this does is demand activity from users in order to succeed while not tying other critical functions (like capturing or battling Pokemon) to movement. It's a perfect mix of virtual and reality.

Why is this important though? Beyond the reflex "it's wicked awesome" response, it's one of the first video games to provide health benefits. Granted, it isn't going to turn you from slob to heart-throb, but when comparing the habits of other gamers to the habits of Pokemon Go players, Pokemon players are receiving much more exercise and sunlight during their gaming time than others who are inside on the Xbox.

But Pokemon Go provides more than just physical health benefits; it offers psychological and social benefits as well. I've read that since its release, people with anxiety or debilitating social and mental disorders now have incentives to leave the house. Even if it's just for a short time and to catch Pokemon, these people are still taking necessary steps to overcoming more serious problems. Due to the nature of the game taking place within our communities, it should come as no surprise that people are actually starting to meet new people, form Pokemon hunting parties, and interacting with the world in all new ways. Whether it's just internet creation or reality is beyond me, but I've seen a variety of pictures that depict the world embracing Pokemon Go. Businesses that are marked as Pokestops or gyms are marketing towards players and attracting customers through social media by saying they're a Pokemon gym. Churches are looking for ministry opportunities as wandering children and young adults willingly enter church grounds. Just as Pokemon Go embraces the world, the world is coming to embrace Pokemon Go. People who would never otherwise interact are being brought together in immeasurable ways, which is always an important and fascinating thing to recognize.

While there are many great benefits to Pokemon Go, it isn't without its problems. Beyond glitchy servers and draining battery, Pokemon Go does create new, real world situations. It's only a matter of time before someone is playing the game and doesn't notice where they're going before they're hit by a car or fall down and injure themselves. I read about a man who was driving a truck and stopped in the middle of the highway to catch a Pokemon. I can't confirm if that story is true, but I imagine if it isn't, it won't be long before it does happen. I've also read that people are using the "lure" feature to attract people to their location for criminal purposes or who use the game and its information to hurt others. All of these are valid concerns, but shouldn't detract from the good the game brings. Just like texting, Pokemon Go must be handled responsibly. The game even warns users every time they log in to stay aware of their surroundings.

So how does this game impact the future of gaming? To start, I've already seen people brainstorming other franchises that could adopt similar games. Harry Potter could create a game of learning spells and dueling other wizards. Buffy the Vampire Slayer could create a game of hunting and slaying vampires. With this (incredibly successful) prototype, other companies will soon be looking to duplicate the success with their own brand. Imagine playing Call of Duty in your own neighborhood or battling fellow wizards at your school. The horizon has just been expanded for gaming; the world has seen what gaming can be and become. Personally, I see a bright future ahead for the world, both virtual and physical.