So far in its week of existence, Pokémon GO has received lots of love yet lots of criticism. The release of this game has raised the stock of Nintendo, raised awareness of the developer Niantic (of which I had no previous knowledge of until now) and has taken the world by storm with it's release in Europe.
With anything in the world, Pokémon GO has picked up a lot of hate. Most of what people are saying is that this is child's game and a waste of time, that people should be worried about doing other more important things with their lives. In a way, they could be correct. Some people will make Pokémon GO their livelihood and do almost nothing except eat, sleep and breathe Pokémon GO, but that doesn't mean we all will.
While the game has its glitches, Pokémon GO holds true to the promises of the gaming process. Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game, ergo in order for you to succeed, you have to get up off of your couch and "go" catch Pokémon and battle at your local gyms. Going to Poké Stops is also required, because eventually you will run out of the needed supplies, such as Poké Balls, to play the game. People say that it's stupid to be walking all over the place catching imaginary Pokémon, but let's not forget the FarmVille and Candy Crush crazes. Tending to an imaginary farm and sending your Facebook friends annoying requests to help your cows, all while sitting on your couch eating a bag of chips? Or sitting around at work trying to pop virtual pieces of candy when you have a stack of papers that need to be filed? Yes, because Pokémon GO is so much worse than that.
Not only has Pokémon GO gotten kids (and people in their 20s #noshame) to get up and get moving, but they are helping to educate people on their town and surrounding towns. Poké Stops are often stores, historical landmarks or well-known fixtures found around the town. For someone playing in their own town, this might not be too exciting or educational, but for someone playing in a neighboring town, going to this landmarks helps them learn something new about that specific town.
Pokémon GO can also boost local business. Posting a photo of a Pokémon being in your store or business is a great means of advertising, not only because it shows that you're up-to-date with the times, but it will also attract gamers. If your business is a Poké Stop, it's even better for you because that means you can guarantee people will be visiting and trying to catch Pokémon. This runs the risk of loitering, however, you can incorporate this high-influx of people into a store perk for paying customers. I heard of a bar that was made into a Pokémon GO Gym in the game giving out drinks to the team leaders of the gym. A pizza place would also give out free drinks or pieces of pizza depending on your trainer level. These deals will spread by word of mouth to other players in town, basically giving free advertising for your business.
An argument people have against Pokémon GO is that it keeps player distracted from what is going on around them. However, we know it to be true that anyone with a smart phone is prone to be distracted at any point in time, whether they are playing Pokémon GO, texting or checking Facebook. Before playing the game, Pokémon GO has a warning screen for players that says: "Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings."
Pokémon GO has brought groups of young and potentially socially awkward game players together to walk around and get exercise, all while playing one of their favorite game franchises. So while some of you will keep hating on the game, I'm going to continue on my journey to be the best there ever was #TeamMystic.
