If you haven’t jumped on board yet with the Pokemon Go craze, here’s the run-down.
This multi-generational sensation began as a couple video games created by Japanese video game designer Satoshi Tajiri for Game Boy, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. The basic concept is that the world is filled with millions of little pocket monsters (where Pokémon gets its name), and you, as a trainer, need to go around the world, catch them all and battle other trainers for sport. Easy enough!
With over 700 Pokemon in the “Pokédex” (with a list of Pokémon available), enthusiasts can collect cards, play the video games, watch the TV show, attend Pokemon events and of course, buy as much merchandise as they please. And now, as of May 2016 (before Pokémon Go was released), the Pokémon media franchise had grossed revenues of ¥4.8 trillion worldwide (equivalent to $46.2 billion USD).
Nintendo’s next initiative is an interesting one that may just change the status quo for video games as we know it. Released for both iOS and Android, Pokémon Go allows users to immerse themselves even more into the “Pokéverse.” Check out the promo video below.
So instead of pressing buttons to move your trainer around, you literally go out into the world and find Pokémon. Walk, bike, drive, fly – Pokémon are everywhere! With incentives like incubating Pokémon eggs and gaining rare breeds of Pokémon, the game encourages and almost requires users to be active in their communities and get off the couch! The release time for this app couldn’t have been better, since most of the United States is on their summer break and allows millennials the free time to roam and explore the world!
The game was released in Australia, New Zealand and the United States on July 6, 2016. It was also released in Germany on July 13, the United Kingdom on July 14, and in Italy, Spain and Portugal on July 15. Upon 24 hours after its release, "Pokémon Go" topped the American App Store's "Top Grossing" and "Free" charts. Within two days of release, it was installed on more than 5% of Android devices in the United States, according to SimilarWeb. On July 12, the game became the most active mobile game ever in the United States with 21 million active users, eclipsing Candy Crush Saga's peak of 20 million.
By July 15, approximately 1.3 million people were playing the game in the Netherlands, despite the app not being officially released in the country. During the first days following the launch of the game, the number of daily active users in the U.S. surpassed that of Snapchat, Tinder and was also approaching the number of Twitter users. The game has been referred to as a "social media phenomenon".
As you may expect, the app has had a lot of varying responses. Some praises include:
- This app helps fight childhood obesity and makes kids more active.
- It’s bringing in higher levels of traffic to landmarks and national parks, because Nintendo used Google Maps to add “Pokéstops” (areas with higher traffic of Pokemon and additional prizes) to a series of different places. Churches, art galleries, malls and park statues are suddenly extremely popular!
- Dr. John Grohol, founder of Psych Central, stated that Pokémon Go was unique in the magnitude of people "expressing the benefits of playing video games to their real-world mental health status." According to Grohol, the game facilitates exercise and create a "strong reinforcement for people to go out and become more active."
Of course there are some controversies to it too.
- The app has caused more than a few traffic hazards as people randomly pull over on highways and busy roads to “catch them all."
- Many cemeteries are locations for popular Pokéstops – as are local fire departments and police stations – which has caused large disturbances to the people working in or occupying those spots.
- Although Nintendo did immediately fix the issues in question, many are uncomfortable with the “full access” the company has to their Google accounts which are required as a form of login.
All in all, Pokémon Go is here to stay, at least for the time being. The app has only been out for a week and a half but has already soared into the hearts and pockets of millions. This is most likely something you’ll want to jump on board with, in my opinion, otherwise, you’ll be the one your friends will call at midnight when they need someone to drive them around, looking for the closest Pikachu! Go out and catch 'em all!
