Since it first launched in Canada in July, the Pokemon Go app has received a lot of media attention: robbers using some of the game’s functions to lure victims to certain locations; accidents caused by distracted drivers or pedestrians; parents leaving infants unattended in order to play; Pokestops (locations for players to obtain supplies needed to play the game) placed in inappropriate loc
Since it first launched in Canada in July, the Pokemon Go app has received a lot of media attention: robbers using some of the game’s functions to lure victims to certain locations; accidents caused by distracted drivers or pedestrians; parents leaving infants unattended in order to play; Pokestops (locations for players to obtain supplies needed to play the game) placed in inappropriate locations; trespassing; businesses cashing in on the craze (tagged as the ‘Pokeconomy’); and much more.
Obviously, the game has its pitfalls. In addition to those mentioned above, another is that rural areas are at a real disadvantage when it comes to playing. Pokestops and locations to battle Pokemon are few and far between in the Pontiac; this means players need to visit more populated areas outside the region where several of these ‘attractions’ can often be found within a couple blocks. Does the Pontiac really need another force driving people outside the region?
Pokestops are generally located at cultural landmarks like murals, sculptures, well-known buildings, historical landmarks, and so on; the Pontiac has many of these, but they are not registered in the game. Pokemon Go encourages people to visit these locations, and consequently any businesses along the way will benefit. This
is something rural areas are missing out on; how can the Pontiac take advantage of the phenomenon?
However, the game does have some very important strengths. One of the most notable – and impressive – advantages of Pokemon Go is that it has been deemed “the fastest growing fitness app” available. The game leaves players with no choice but to go outside and move around rather than remaining indoors playing a stationary game. It’s almost impossible to get very far in the game without moving around and players sometimes meet new people during their journeys.
Another feature of the game, Pokeggs, give players an added motivate to cover some significant distances by foot – either 2, 5 or 10 kilometres – in order to hatch eggs obtained at Pokestops.
Clearly a winning combination was created by pairing the game and fitness together, whether it was intentional or not; people of all ages can be seen everywhere participating in the craze. While health apps tend to be attractive only to those who are interested in becoming healthier, Pokemon Go attracts people who are interested in playing the game, and then encourages them to be active – an unexpected bonus. One of the largest groups of players are youths, a cohort society is continually pushing to be more active.
Positive or negative, Pokemon Go is here to stay; whether the Pontiac can benefit is still to be determined.
Allyson Beareguard
