By now, you have either gotten severely addicted or at least heard of the new app Pokémon Go. For those of you that somehow have not heard of this game, first watch this. Basically what this app does is it takes the concept of catching Pokémon to a whole new level; the app requires the user to actually walk around outside in order to play, placing the classic Nintendo game into our world. Claiming landmarks around the world as PokéStops (a spot where items can be retrieved) and Gyms (places to either train your own Pokémon or weaken the other teams Pokémon), team Valor Red, Mystic Blue, and Yellow Instinct join together to try and Catch ‘em All!
For super fans like myself, this is the best thing the creators in Pokémon could have done with the series.
Apart from the constant crashing of the server...
... And the occasional PokéStop in an area where you should definitely not stop in this is something worth checking out if you haven’t already.
Yes, this game is extremely fun and everyone should be playing it, but this app is actually so much more than just a simple game like Pokémon used to be with the Card Game, GBA, DS, and every other system it has previously been featured on.
Bye-bye FitBit.
This is the newest exercise app. Pokémon Go requires the player to literally walk outside in order to hatch eggs, catch Pokémon, battle in a gym, and reach PokéStops. It is actually impossible to advance in this game while sitting on your couch alone. That being said, it has encouraged many people who would normally spend their time off indoors to venture out like a true Pokémon master into the world while having a good time. Plus, if you actually want to catch every Pokémon, the game uses similar biome rules like the ones you would find in the game- water Pokémon by the beach, grass type in parks and so on. In the little time I have owned the app, I have walked an average of 6 miles a day, surpassing my usual 2.5 miles daily. I am not saying this app will rid America of it’s obesity problems, but it definitely encourages more exercise than most games do and may have real health benefits in time.
Who needs Facebook?
This game is the newest way to meet friends. While searching for your newest edition to your Pokédex, it’s not uncommon to bump into a lot of people who are also out catching, in fact it is almost inevitable. Bonding happens almost immediately between trainers as the hunt for rare Pokémon becomes more popular. Sharing tips, tricks, locations, and good times happen as the night life of local towns becomes more populated with players. In addition to the already common ground shared from simply owning the app, meeting new people through the team you pick adds the extra push people need to go from strangers to friends. As I walk around my town with my friends, all we have to do is shout out our team name and follow the positive responses to figure out who we will be spending our night with. While it is important to be aware of who you are with and be smart about who you choose to talk to, this app is a way to actually meet real people in real life instead of anonymous chat rooms and virtual realities.
Business opportunity.
To all business owners: take full advantage of this app! Local landmarks are being designated as PokéStops, introducing a new level of foot traffic to establishments. Start marketing and selling to the players around you by posting signs, offering food and water, or even catering to the fandom. Players will likely be to notice fliers around landmarks and purchase items from shops located near gyms or stops, so download the game and see if you can benefit from the latest trend.
Besides stirring up severe nostalgia by reminding the world of one of the most popular game franchises ever, Pokémon Go has surpassed the level of what is expected out of an app. It has evolved into a hybrid made of exercise apps, social media platforms, and advertisement opportunities that will force other companies to strengthen their CP and step up their game if they want to be anywhere near Pokémon Go’s level of success.
