Pokémon GO. The game has been sweeping the nation recently, including my own heart. It’s the interesting new augmented reality game that everyone has been hearing so much about- whether they’ve decided to play the game or not. The game is described by college blogger Dave Berry as
“a free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic and published by The Pokémon Company as part of the Pokémon franchise.”
The game is very unlike the original show that most college student’s remember from their youth. The American dubbed anime took off like fire and many children knew of the concept even if they hadn’t watched. The show featured the original and first 151 pokemon, which are the same pokemon featured in the Pokemon GO game. Knowing and finding these Pokemon has brought a sense of nostalgia to many of the college students today. It’s a fun way to connect with others, sharing in something you both love.
Some of you may be wondering how the game works, it uses GPS signals to track the location of nearby Pokémon in your area. Players are encouraged to walk certain distances to find more Pokémon to hatch using their very own Pokémon eggs.
The game also has certain pokestops and gyms that were designed ahead of the game’s release. These stops could be anything; important art pieces in the area, libraries or famous buildings and shops. Pokestops have produced revenue for many local shops who were chosen as pokestops. They can also be found around your college campus.
Pokémon GO has been taking over our college campuses, including within Concordia’s campus. You can often find players of the game relaxing in the front of Krentz or outside by the various pokestops around campus. Students and avid players struggle for control of the Gross Hall gym.
Since the game’s release in July of 2016, lovers of the Pokémon series and new-players alike have joined forces in the hunt for rare and powerful Pokémon. This has encouraged Pokémon teams to be built, large gatherings that have its roots online, and downtown excursions to find rare Pokémon.
The Pokémon Company International has always strived to unite people through their games. Since the release of their very first game, players and fans have been able to make friends and unite through their love of Pokémon. The game utilizes battling and trading as means for connecting players and encouraging communication.
Pokémon GO doesn’t even include these features, yet it is still connecting people all throughout the world with the love of Pokémon. I’ve seen families bond over Pokémon catching walks, as they work together to take down local gyms. I myself have been a part of thrilling battles against opposing gyms, though my strength is not at its strongest. The game is a great tool for conversation. It’s a tool we should utilize.
If we use Pokémon GO as a tool for connection, we can plan trips with the campus and get students involved. It is an easy trip downtown since Concordia’s campus is located a simple bus and train away from the city. Downtown is a perfect area full of pokestops and gyms, and plenty of rare Pokémon to catch. I, personally, would love to see more students getting involved and bonding over a game that is both free and a bunch of fun.
