Pokémon in Real Life
Have you ever loved a video game so much that you wish you could experience it in real life? Nintendo’s and Niantic, Inc.’s new project, Pokémon GO, will integrate the video game world with the real world.
First, here is some background about Pokémon. The name “Pokémon” means Pocket Monsters in Japanese. As the title suggests, the player is a Pokémon Trainer that captures monsters called Pokémon and battles against other trainers and Team Rocket, the villains of the game. Gamers cannot get enough of this game series. With dozens of different versions of the game available, there are currently 719 make-believe monsters to virtually catch and battle. Gotta catch ’em all, am I right?
It may seem immature for a college-aged student like myself to be a fan of this series because it is a common stereotype that fans are too involved in their fantasy world in “low culture” franchises, but like any true fan, I am loyal to the Pokémon series.
Unfortunately, these games are exclusively available on Nintendo consoles, therefore Pokémon fans are unable to play if they do not own a Nintendo device. In my opinion, it seems unfair that some people cannot experience the glory of Pokémon simply because they do not own a two-hundred dollar console. However, this will not be an issue for long. Nintendo is teaming up with Niantic, Inc. to create a new game called Pokémon GO. Uniquely, Pokémon GO is converging the game onto Apple and Android mobile devices, so Pokémon fans won’t have to bring their consoles everywhere to play their favorite game. It will be more convenient than ever to be immersed in the world of Pokémon. Additionally, this could be the first major stepping stone for popular video game industries to digitalize their games in order to be accessible on smartphones.
Further, Pokémon GO is an augmented-reality game in which players discover Pokémon in real-world locations. The addition of a wristband called the Pokémon GO Plus vibrates when a Pokémon is nearby so that players do not miss an opportunity to capture the Pokémon or engage in a battle. This is an opportunity for users to capture Pokémon in real life, which is a dream come true for the Pokémon fandom.
A major selling factor for Pokémon GO is that it encourages people to explore the outdoors. There will be PokéStops located in places such as public art installations, monuments and historical sites and different types of Pokémon will only be available in certain terrains. For example, water-type Pokémon can only be found near an ocean, lake or river. This is a great way to motivate gamers to leave their rooms and step outside.
Additionally, another positive aspect of the game is the inclusion of social interaction. One motivator to be a part of a fandom is the social aspect of a fan base community where other fans can talk about their shared interests on Internet forums. Pokémon GO fans will be able to meet other Pokémon fans in real life instead of online when their device notifies them that another Pokémon GO challenger is nearby. I am rather wary of the prospect of having Pokémon battles with strangers, but I am also excited by the opportunity to meet fellow Pokémon lovers.
There are some drawbacks to incorporating a game into the real world. Although Pokémon GO motivates players to go outside, they will not be able to appreciate the outdoors when they are looking down at phones. Further, there is a risk that users enraptured with their devices will not pay enough attention as they walk around. This is especially a concern when users are crossing busy streets and are too captivated by the game to pay attention. It is a common sight to see Linfield students collide with each other because both people were looking down on their phones and Pokémon GO would simply perpetuate this behavior.
Regardless, I am very curious to see how everything turns out. Fan pages are buzzing about Pokémon GO, which is expected to be released sometime this summer. Beta Gameplay is online in hopes to temporarily satisfy the fans who impatiently wait for the launch date.
