“We all live in a Pokémon world!” What was once lyrics of the 90’s has become an (augmented) reality due to the new Pokémon Go app that released earlier this week. In the past few days, fans have left the comfort of their homes to explore real world locations to catch and find the strongest and rarest Pokémon.
After getting to level five in the game, players can choose between three teams. Team Mystic, Valor and Instinct compete on a global level to obtain and level up gyms that can be found at different points of interest found in real life. Pride for one’s own team is comparable to that of football fans. Fourth-year fashion design student Ann Mossy chose based off the legendary Pokémon that corresponds with her team. She says, “I chose Team Mystic because out of the three legendary birds, Articuno has always been my favorite! I actually bought a decal for my car with the team mystic logo.”
Despite many students being away from Atlanta for the summer, SCAD Atlanta has already banded together and created an unofficial club for the game. They share tips, boast about personal victories, and bond as a Pokémon-loving student body. Lucky, competition from being on different teams doesn’t stop them from having a good time. “The way I see it, it’s another for us to bond as a community in a way that isn’t “I’m dying of stress, you’re dying of stress, let’s die together” kind of deal. It’s nice to see everyone just enjoying something together. Plus, who doesn’t like some competition? Red Team or bust, by the way ya’ll” says fourth-year sculpture student Allyssa Davis.
Since the app requires encourages players to explore their surroundings, many people are clocking several more kilometers than they’re used to. Not only can Pokémon can be found almost anywhere on the map, there’s also eggs that can be hatched by walking anywhere from two to ten kilometers. Mossy says, “I think it’s awesome. I personally love fitness and working out, so this is just another excuse for me to go running!” Like any new game, Pokémon Go has been known to glitch and crash midgame for players like Mossy. “They drive me up a wall, especially when I leave my apartment solely for the purpose of Pokémon go and then it crashes randomly and I’m in the middle of nowhere in Atlanta”
Regardless of the bugs, the popularity of the game has become a great opportunity for businesses. Not too far from SCAD Atlanta, communications manager at Huge Inc’s Atlanta office Kristy Gomez explained about their promotion. “People seemed to be interested in in the game so we threw some lures out. Since then, we’re doing a promotion where if you catch a Pokémon here, take a picture of it, and #hugecafe and post it on social media, we’ll give you a free bun!” Huge Inc will analyze the success of the experimental promotion after a week has passed.
Davis leaves players with a few tips:
- Go out in the morning, that’s the best time server and heat wise to explore.
- At night, go in group and go somewhere well lit and populated. Some folks are preying on innocents, and trust when i say this is nothing to get hurt over.
- If you see others playing, go and chat! The whole point of the game is to meet people and explore the world around us.
- If you can, catch anything and everything. Your stardust will thank you
- And finally, just have fun. No point in being the very best if you’re not enjoying it.
You can find more about Pokémon Go on their official website.