As I am sure we are all aware, "Pokemon Go" from Niantic is now available in the United States. This game, played on smartphones, is quickly generating a buzz. The game allows you to become a Pokemon Trainer in real life, in real time. You have to travel in order to find Pokemon and visit local gyms, as well as finding "Poke Stops" to gain experience and items. You get to choose from three of the original starters, Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur to be your own first Pokemon. There have been a number of problems with this new app, but I feel it also has numerous positives as well.
First, let's talk about the negatives. There is definitely real life risk involved. I am increasingly seeing posts on Facebook about playing while driving, or entering unsafe areas in order to catch Pokemon and go to gyms. While the game has a warning to be aware of your surroundings, many people are not heeding the warning. I admit, it is difficult to be aware while playing, but it is definitely necessary. I have also seen unconfirmed stories about people having their phones stolen while playing alone, which is just another example of the ways in which you need to be aware while playing.
Now the positives. I think this game represents a breakthrough in technology. One of the main reasons we play games like Pokemon, read books and watch films is to escape the real world and our real problems for a time. Of course, once becoming invested in an outlet like that it often involves self-insertion into the plot and story, particularly in first player and first person scenarios. This allows a bit of my generation's childhood to carry on into our real life adulthood, and it is a great reminder of childhood and bringing back those memories.
I also think this game will be a great motivator for activity. By using real life geography, it encourages individuals to get up and be active in their neighborhood. So while Pokemon may have originally been intended as an individual experience, I think this represents a positive change to a more community-based environment, which is definitely something this society could use. It gives people a common interest and a joint venture in promoting activity, and although I haven't gotten to the team selection portion of "Pokemon Go," it also increases the ability to work as a team.
This app, in my opinion, is something truly unique and different from what we have seen so far in the technological revolution, and while there are some safety concerns, there are also many benefits that could lead to a positive change in our communities. You can find the game on the app store for both Apple and Android, although not all models of phone and software are supported. To see if you can play go here.
