Pokemon Go Players Interacting with Their Cities

At a time when obesity is a national health concern and it’s difficult to find time for regular exercise, the immediate popularity of a game that can get people off the couch and out moving is a welcome surprise.

The release of Pokémon Go earlier this month has had sweeping popularity, getting adults and children alike walking around their cities. The game is played on mobile devices, utilizing the GPS and camera to find Pokéstops – local landmarks and other points of interest – where players catch Pokémon characters.

In the past, gamers have had a reputation for spending a lot of time inside, but that may be changing with the emergence of augmented reality games like Pokémon Go. Not only are gamers getting exercise, but so are others who don’t spend a lot of time with controllers in hand. It’s getting both kids and adults out exploring and interacting with their cities in a new way. So many people are rushed through their days, but walking forces them to slow down and interact with their surroundings.

Pokémon Go is also attracting people to places they don’t usually visit or spend money. Most stops and attractions seem to be in dense urban areas, which is apparent from all the activity in downtown Knoxville. It should be noted though, that Fountain City Park and Ijams Nature Center have been reported as worthwhile stops that expose players to nature. Other specific locations are designated as gyms, where players go to train, and businesses can create a lure to show up on the map as a temporary Pokéstop. Players are attracted here to catch Pokémon and hopefully stay awhile and enjoy what the businesses have to offer.

Pikachu not your thing? There are several other games that make you run from zombies or hunt for treasure instead.

It’s a little surprising that more technology was the push people needed to get outside, and it’s likely that this trend is here to stay.

21 million daily users were reported a little over a week ago, and the game hasn’t even been out for an entire month.