Pokemon has been around since I was a kid. I remember being in love with an adorable yellow, mouse-like, red-cheeked creature named Pikachu. In recent years, Pokemon has lost quite a bit of its fan base, and the kids in this generation aren't very big fans of the franchise. Two weeks ago, Nintendo released the smartphone app that took the nation by storm — Pokemon Go.
Pokemon was suddenly a "thing" again. There are more users on Pokemon Go than the dating app Tinder. Approximately there are currently 9.5 million daily players on Pokemon Go. The concept behind the game is using augmented reality. Players can capture Pokemon in real life locations such as a park or nearby buildings.
Though, Pokemon Go is all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Many people are getting hurt and maybe even killed by participating in this new Pokemon craze. Recently, there have been cases where teens have been shot by playing the game late at night or people getting run over, and even a case where men fell off of a cliff by playing the game. The game has been stirring mixed feelings. Because the game requires you to look at the screen while navigating to find or catch Pokemon, it's important that the players remain aware of their surroundings.
Last week in Los Angeles, two men fell off of a cliff while playing the augmented reality game, despite the fence having a warning sign. They only suffered minor injuries, but things could have ended up worse. Robbers have targeted players. This game is causing a lot of injuries you wouldn't think a game could cause. It's bringing some locations unwanted company. There are local churches in some areas that are labeled as "Gyms," places where you can train your Pokemon. Players start crowding around these places and end up training their Pokemon to become stronger.
Then there are PokeStops. These are areas where players can gain items. In Missouri, 11 teen players were targeted and lured in by robbers at PokeStops. The robbers made a signal using the location technology at a PokeStop to lure in the teens. Thankfully no one was hurt, but once again, things could have wound up much worse.
The game wasn't made to harm people, but since the game is now on the market, we can see there are precautions, and players need to stay aware of their surroundings. Personally, I haven't played the game, but people seem to be enjoying it and, despite the harm it brings, they still play it. It's fun to play around, but it's important to stay aware of where you are going and what's surrounding you. Other than that, I think the game will be more than jut a summer fad and is quite an improvement in the gaming industry.
