A combination of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology is allowing Pokemon to once again take over America.
Niantic, Inc. introduced the game to the U.S. on Thursday, and ever since people across the country have been exploring their neighborhoods with their eyes glued to their phones searching for new Poke Stops, Pokemon and gyms, hoping to become the master of their corner of the universe.
Pokemon Go uses GPS and augmented-reality (AR) to track user's movements in real time, and show Pokemon lurking around in real life.
How It Works
By accessing a user's camera on their phone, the app projects a Pokemon in"real life," which makes the game more personable, and unique to one's surroundings.
For example, it's not uncommon to find a Pokemon hanging out on your front porch while you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, or waiting on the sidewalk as you walk your dog.
The game also uses Poke Stops, where users can visit to gain more Poke balls, used to catch wild Pokemon, as well as potions and other special features to assist Pokemon in battle. (We'll get to that part soon).
Poke Stops are generally landmarks. For example, in Bloomington, the Sample Gates, the B-Line Trail, and various academic buildings are all Poke Stops.
Once the user reaches level 5, they can start going to gyms to battle other Pokemon, in hopes of becoming the master of the gym. Gyms, like Poke Stops, are in a variety of locations.
Bloomington gyms include Upland Brewery, a CVS and the clock in the Arboretum on IU's campus.
Bringing Bloomington Residents Together
Here's the catch: in order to collect Pokemon, visit Poke Stops, and win battles, users must walk around.
It's impossible to successfully play this game in the comfort of your own bed. Users are also organizing Pokemon Meetups to catch 'em all.
On July 23, Pokemon Go players in Indianapolis are meeting at White River State Park to see what types of rare Pokemon they can find.
Tyler Daun says that although he walks and runs a lot, he has noticed that he is moving around even more when playing Pokemon Go.
"I am walking a little more than usual," he says. "Sometimes I also take a detour just to hit different areas. Like I'll go A to B one way and then I'll take a different path on the way back."
Daun and Beverly Mendoza spent their Monday morning trying to catch Pokemon around IU's campus.
"It definitely encourages walking," Mendoza says. "Especially cause I have so much more incentive."
