In a matter of hours after its release, the new app “Pokémon Go” got kids everywhere to get up and go outside to play video games. And not just kids under the age of 12; adults are playing too. Those who loved the original Pokémon games have downloaded this app and are playing day in and day out.
The app has already rocketed past the dating app Tinder on the Google Play store in downloads (available on Android phones) and is rumored to be close to passing Snapchat and Google Maps too. SurveyMonkey reported “Pokémon Go” already has just under 21 million reported users as of Tuesday, July 12, with about 8 million active users playing the game daily.
The game is just about a week old and already insanely popular. In the game, players are able to catch Pokémon, little cartoon characters, out in the real world. Using the location settings on the phone, the app is able to track where the player is walking and lets them know if there are any Pokémon around them to catch.
The app is free to download on both Android and iOS stores. There are items in-game that may be purchased, though. Things like Pokeballs, what are used to catch Pokémon, can be bought in different amounts to supplement the player when they run out. Alternatively, the player can travel to a Pokestop near them and spin a wheel to earn free items, including Pokeballs.
Right now the app is seemingly everywhere. Crowds are flocking to beaches and parks in search of Pokémon to catch. It’s hard to go Pokémon hunting with your phone and not run into another player who is doing the same thing. We have to ask though, will the popularity last?
The app’s release undoubtedly came at the perfect time. Students are out for the summer and the weather is offering its best for outdoor activities. In the younger crowd, there’s plenty of free time to walk downtown and meet up with friends, and maybe catch a few Pokémon while they’re at it. The app has offered a wildly popular alternative to staying in all day long when the weather outside is nothing short of perfect.
Even amongst adults, some older millennials find that the app is a nostalgic reminder of when Pokémon was at its prime. Even parents are getting in on the craze, competing with their kids to see who can catch the strongest and best Pokémon.
There’s no doubt that this game will continue to grow in popularity for now. Players everywhere are sharing a new mantra regarding Pokémon. We gotta catch them all!