Okay, so, whats the deal with Pokemon go? Why is it so successful? How did such a simple app, which has the basic gameplay as the paper toss app, change the world? Well we would like to come along side you, the community, as we try to answer these questions.
Pokemon Go, for those of you who live under a rock, is a simple GPS based exploration collectors game. Take Pokemon out of the picture for a second, insert pins you can drop, and there you have it you are marking where you have been. Pokemon just adds FUN to this pin dropping marking where your feet have taken you. But that's not all. There are different types of Pokemon that are found in different geographic locations. The most obvious one is the water type Pokemon literally near water.
Chad has been playing this game a lot lately. You can even check out his first episode of Pokemon Go here. Chad has told a few stories that we have had a good laugh at. One of which happened actually last night (7/11/16). He got off work, drove over to a Pokemon Gym, took it over all before a car showed up. They both rolled their windows down and the guy said "Hey, I'm about to take your gym over." Chad laughed and talked to the guy for a bit. What we see here is a world changing event.
Although there are those people who would much rather NOT talk to anyone at all while they play Pokemon Go, there is a large majority that are finding a community outside. Think about it. There are tons of ONLINE communities, but there have been a lacking in OFFLINE communities. Now don't get me wrong, I completely understand that this is still slightly online. But you have to admit, this game is really bringing neighborhoods, towns, cities, and communities together on a whole new level.
Look at reddit for example. Surfing that site you can find storefronts cashing in on this revolutionary app. Here are a few examples:
There is no denying that this game is changing EVERYTHING. But why? We think that's the question burning in everyone's minds. But honestly, we all have the answer. If you could relive a moment of nostalgia, a moment of your childhood, but have it be shared among thousands if not millions of other people... why wouldn't you? This game is bringing out the child in everyone. The joy of finding a new Pokemon and capturing it for the first time. The pride in taking a gym over and holding it for your team.
Better advertising. Chad just thought of this while passing by Finnegan's Bar. There was a lure module on the Pokestop literally steps away from the bar. Think about it. If the owner spends money in game, grabs the lure model with the 100 coins you can buy for $0.99. DOLLAR ADVERTISING. Not only does this lure attract Pokemon, but it attracts Trainers as well. Who wouldn't want to toss back some jack and coke while talking with other trainers?
Speaking of segways. That last comment was a segway to say this: Pokemon Go is targeting millennials. These young adults around the age of 21 or older are reliving their childhood. That's why this is working. Not only is the game fun, but its also everything every Gameboy Pokemon player wanted. Now they can do it with others. But wait.. Adults are playing it too? You're right. They are. We have seen so many children with there parents and both of them are playing this game. In passing they chuckle and say "hah, everyone is playing this game huh?" Chad's parents are addicted as well. They have gone for walks with the sole purpose of hatching eggs or catching the next best Pokemon.
There are some that will question why this app is so popular. They will not understand why anyone would play such a "silly" game. But those people are also the ones that reject change. These are the people that are comfortable doing what they've done everyday. That's okay, just don't let it stop YOU from becoming the next Pokemon master (insert theme song here)
Good luck Trainers and Catch 'em all.