The new mobile game, "Pokemon Go," has everyone talking. Many of us, including myself, are obsessed with finding the Pokemon in our neighborhoods, meeting friends from local meet-ups and bringing people together. Sure, "Pokemon Go" has led to some incidents from trespassing to a teenager finding a body on her walk. However, it has everyone talking, communicating and building community one way or another. It's sparked a conversation. "Pokemon Go" can start a new wave of gaming, and here's why.
1. Augmented reality gaming
Video games have come a long way even from when I was growing up. Ten years ago, the original Wii was released. That was really the first game that encouraged users to get up and move around. Some games involved dancing, tennis, bowling and many more. Back in 2006, that was something special. Now, we are seeing something similar with "Pokemon Go" and augmented reality games.
A lot of people have heard of the term "virtual reality" and "augmented reality" used in the same way. They are similar but different. Basically, augmented reality keeps you in your own world with computer-generated details using GPS tracking or other other multimedia. Virtual reality takes someone to a new world. With "Pokemon Go," you stay in your own world while taking elements from other making it augmented. Augmented reality video games could be the future.
Just think about it: How many times have you wanted to interact with characters from say another show or video game? While "Pokemon Go" is playable, it is not story-driven, and some gamers like that. "Pokemon Go" sets up the potential for more simulation and story-based games. Who would not want to play a "Supernatural" game where you go hunting with Sam and Dean? Or hunt for walkers like on "The Walking Dead"? The possibilities seem to be endless.
2. Community building
Anymore, you can Google search for your local meet-ups or make them yourself. The Pokestops are placed and created at different spots, usually historical or landmark-related, around your neighborhood, so it gives you the ability to restock on Pokeballs or find eggs while learning a little more about your community. Between meet-ups and learning a little bit of history, "Pokemon Go" has the ability to connect communities together. You can even join teams Mystic, Valor and Instinct to meet new players and go to Pokemon gyms to improve your status.
3. Health and wellness
Both physical and mental health can be improved through playing "Pokemon Go." Physically, it gets people moving. I see nothing wrong with a 30-60 minute walk each day after work, school or whatever other things you have going on. Sometimes people walk in groups or alone. Either way, moving your is always a good thing. I, generally, play "Pokemon" on my walks each day, and it is nice to make your walk more enjoyable. People with mental health issues are also benefitting from "Pokemon Go" because of the walking, sensation of clearing your head and having something enjoyable to look forward to. It really is the little things that make it worth it.
4. Improving relationships
So far, I have played this game by myself on my walks. However, I run into small groups here and there, and we all play the same game. It makes for a conversation piece with strangers. I see families walking around, new parents rolling strollers down the street and groups of kids outside playing the game, walking and talking all at the same time. I think it is very cool to see people outside and engaging in social interactions. Video games bring people together, and "Pokemon Go" brings families and friends together for quality time.
5. It's fun!
Overall, it is quite a fun game. It brings back a lot of nostalgia for the '90s kids and introduces Pokemon to other generations, such as Gen X and Gen Z (post-millennials). It is easy to figure out and makes people active in their communities. Gaming brings people together, and the ultimate goal of a video game is to enjoy yourself. Just keep personal safety in mind.
If you do decide to play "Pokemon Go," be careful and use common sense. Don't drive while trying to catch them all. Be safe and smart. Also, don't use the game when visiting memorials. Keep it classy and pay your respects. Your Pokemon will be waiting for you when you are finished. Have fun and be safe!
