Pokemon Go has been all the rage since it came out at the beginning of July. I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first heard about it.
A bit about me: I am a millennial, one of the older ones. I was young enough to watch the cartoon when it first came out on TV, but I never played the video games or the card games. I actually don’t even like video games. I bought a Nintendo Wii, played it a few times and then it sat gathering dust. I’d rather read a book or watch a movie.
I downloaded the game on a whim — as part of a conversation, spurned by reddit, about how people were actually going outside to play Pokemon Go and how you’re supposed to catch Pokemon while you walk.
On that first walk, my boyfriend and I were testing the game, trial and error. That first day, we played for almost two hours, walking the entire time. I think I’ve walked more in the last week than I have in months. I’ve been choosing to walk to the grocery store rather than drive; I haven’t turn down an evening stroll and I’ll go on that coffee run rather than stay inside.
We also noticed how many other people were playing. All different ages, races, sexes. In large groups and on their own. I had a prolonged conversation with a kid who recognized that I was playing. We shared tips, took a look at the Pokemon we’ve caught and just chatted pleasantly then went on our way.
The game is bringing people together, and people are finding that the game brings unexpected health benefits beyond just walking. I’ve read stories about how kids on the autism spectrum are interacting with fellow players, how a person with severe depression found hope, and a war veteran with PTSD is thanking Nintendo for helping him leave his yard. Plus there are even romances budding, and I know of a few families that are using the game as a way to bond.
Shout out to the Pokemon Go Chicago Squad Facebook group, which is highly entertaining and supportive too.
The game also has a built-in feature that allows you to explore your community. The PokeStops, locations that allow you to gather items to use in the game, are little landmarks, places or items you might not have noticed. I live near a biking and walking trail that has little plaques on lampposts and benches that we would never have stopped to look at before.
Many local cultural institutions and businesses are getting in on the game too. The Chicago Botanic Garden has a list of spots you can find Pokemon.
Downtown Highland Park will be hosting a Pokewalk Challenge in August. Six Flags Great America has a Pokemon Go Guide.
This article from Inc. Magazine says that local, small businesses are cashing in by bringing in foot traffic. The Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago-area businesses are trying it too.
While a lot of what the game is providing is positive, there are also negative things happening. Some involve stupidity on the players’ parts, like those not paying attention when they are playing or choosing to Pokemon Go and Drive which puts everyone at risk. Then there are the people who are taking advantage of players, like robbers. There’s also the contempt that can come from non-players or people bashing the game without even having tried it.
Even if you don’t think there’s any chance this game is for you, you might be surprised to find it brings some unforeseen benefit. Download it. Try it out. Let me know what you think in the comments below. If you don’t like it, there’s nothing wrong with that either.
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