Unless you have no access to social media, google, a phone’s app store or physical interaction with a human you’ll of heard of the latest game craze, Pokemon Go! I’ll explain quickly what it is just in case you have been under a rock.
Pokemon Go! Is a new game for mobile phones (and some tablets) that allows users to search for animated characters called Pokemon in the real world. Pretty much every 90’s child will remember Pokemon, so if you’re slightly older you may want to go and ask a 90’s child about the journey of Pokemon so you can understand what we are talking about here. Pokemon Go! Uses AR (augmented reality) to show you the Pokemon in real life, just give the game access to your phone camera et voila if your phone has a gyroscope you can view Pokemon in your current surroundings. Using Pokeballs to catch your Pokemon your aim is to try and ‘catch em all’, battle and win control of gyms and ‘be the very best, like no one ever was.’
However as with many new games Pokemon Go! Has been the subject of controversy, with children getting lost in caves, people being in car accidents and trespassing onto private property all being things people have done in the name of the game. Some Pokemon are rarer (think like precious stones for jewellery)and can only be found in certain places, whereas some Pokemon are more common and can be found pretty much anywhere. There has also been a lot of abuse toward older people playing the game, with some people saying adults playing the game are sad and pathetic. The game itself however is aimed at all ages, Pokemon the tv show has been going since the 90’s so lots of now 20 somethings who watched the show when it first came out are reconnecting with their childhood love via the game, some adults are playing it with their small children now who are watching the current version of the Pokemon tv show. It’s aimed at all ages and has resulted in many good things, as well as bad things.
For example to find the Pokemon and hatch eggs you need to get outside and walk around, this promoting getting away from sit down games consoles such as Xbox and Play Station. More people are getting out and exploring their country side thank’s to the game, and lots of families have come together thanks to the game as they have something in common with each other. Also in the news there has been stories of teenagers with crippling anxiety going outside and playing the game and talking to other teens, and children with learning difficulties finding it easier to make friends thanks to the game.
But then there are the negatives, some users of the game have no common sense, causing the game developers to add warnings such as ‘Do not Pokemon Go! and drive’ ‘Do not trespass whilst playing Pokemon go!’ ‘Be aware of your surroundings when playing Pokemon Go!’ and some users have caused harm to themselves, and to others whilst playing the game. When the app first came out some muggers were putting Lures (a device that attracts Pokemon to a set location for a set amount of time) onto Pokestops (almost like a lucky dip where you spin the icon and get free items that will be useful to you on your Pokemon journey such as Pokeballs) and mugging the people who came to these locations.
So is Pokemon Go! Good or bad? we asked for some of your views (some people wished to remain anonymous):
‘I think Pokemon Go! Is good for kids as it gets them out and about’
‘Pokemon Go! Hasn’t really impacted my life in a negative way. It’s encouraged me to get out of the house more and it’s brought back some childhood nostalgia. I really like the game and how it’s helping other people in really positive ways.It’s a perfect example of how technology needn’t impede on the importance of being outside and social interaction.’ -Colette
‘Pokemon Go! has brought back a lot of childhood memories for me as I used to love the tv show. To be able to play it on my phone rather than needing to upgrade a games console to keep up to date on the games is great for me! I’ve seen loads of people playing it and getting outside which is great!’- Shanna
‘I don’t like how some people cannot use their common sense whilst using the game and cause us all to have to sit through warnings like do not Pokemon Go! And drive, however I do enjoy the game and I sometimes use it as a motivation to go outside and have a walk.’
‘I like it but the AR isn’t worth it, and they need more Pokestops in rural areas.’ -Josh
So what do you think? Is Pokemon Go! good, or should it be renamed Pokemon NO! ?
The Fud Magazine 