Hello everyone and welcome back to another Gamerman Weekly! This week, I feel I must talk about the elephant in the room that crashed through the door and brought down the house, Pokemon GO!

My first opinion of this new gaming trend is not centered around the actual experience of it, but my perception of how the general public has received it. I have to say, not very well. I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard in the past hour alone the same sentiments over and over about how these millennials have been kidnapped and made slave to their phones, completely disregarding their surroundings, and acting like dysfunctional members of society. Hearing those comments, it first makes me butt-hurt, but then I get this feeling of sadness. These morose feelings come about because in my opinion, the general public still sees the gaming culture as a dangerous and harmful entity, when I know the opposite truth is that the culture is rich with amazing people, that are all brought together for the sake of having fun.

After hearing these comments on the reception of Pokemon GO! I am disheartened. But, alas, the goal of the Weekly is to help persuade people to change their views on gaming and nerd fringe culture. But I believe these aesthetically and without substance negative comments should be ignored. I would like to talk of the many positive features of Pokemon GO!

First and foremost is the amazing effect Pokemon GO! Has on people, including me! The awesome experience you get when the game boots up, and you see yourself on the screen, in the real world, and you know with abounding glee that there are pokemon out there and you’re gonna get them. Finally, a Pokemon game that achieves every Pokemon player’s dream, to play in a real world setting.

Second is the unavoidable fact that the game promotes physical health! Even though there is no specific message in the game to that effect, but to play, a lot of walking is involved. Like, pilgrimage style. The Exodus doesn’t even compare. My highest amount was 30 miles in a day. I have never done that. My calves are now like iron bars. But don’t forget to stretch, or else the bed will be your home address for a while.

Thirdly, and the most heart-warming for me, the game brings people together. I have at least on 9 different occasions have just met up with people on the street randomly, and joined their journey. My contacts list is burgeoning with bright new faces and friendships. To me, this is a world I want to live in. People connected by something as common and fluid as Pokemon GO! I got a warm smile on my face even while writing this.

To me, Pokemon GO! Is a great creation. I was always interested in the idea of it since the concept and game was announced mid last year, and now that it has become a beautiful success, my interest has turned into unending happiness. Again, there’s not to say some negative outcomes have arisen since the game’s launch, but I honestly couldn’t care. The game is amazing, the benefits that come about from playing it are the stuff of dreams, and I see nothing but a land filled with inspiring adventure from it. Call that draft-horse disease if you want, but I’m still gonna catch ‘em all with a smile on my face.

--G