Gotta Catch 'Em All! The Rise and Impact of Pokémon GO

Remember Pokémon Go – a game that took the world by storm? Yes, the one that made headlines frequently due to its massive popularity and the unique way it encouraged millions to explore the real world while catching virtual creatures! Today, we will explore this game and how far it has come over the years.

Let’s begin from the beginning. In the year 2016, an experience unknown yet familiar hit the markets around the globe – Pokémon Go!

The beginning –

Pokémon GO was developed by Niantic in conjunction with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, but wait, was this the first AR game or did it have a significant predecessor(s)? And the answer is that it did have a predecessor – Ingress, which laid the groundwork for the innovative mechanics that later defined Pokémon GO.

The concept for Pokémon GO emerged from a 2014 collaboration between Satoru Iwata of Nintendo and Tsunekazu Ishihara of The Pokémon Company, inspired by an April Fool's Day project called "Google Maps: Pokémon Challenge." Ishihara's vision for Pokémon GO aimed to bridge the digital and physical worlds, allowing players to "catch 'em all" in their own neighborhoods, perfectly aligning Niantic’s technology with the Pokémon franchise.

The chart below summarizes the use of Pokémon Go over the time from 2016 till July’24.

(Data source - 1,2; made using PowerBI)

Game Play Mechanics –

Pokémon GO's core gameplay involves exploring real-world locations with GPS to find and catch Pokémon. In addition to catching Pokémon, players can visit PokéStops to get Poké Balls, potions, and berries. Gyms serve as battle arenas where players can challenge other trainers’ Pokémon for control and rewards. Players can also evolve their Pokémon by collecting Candy and other in-game resources.

Here’s a summary of what players can do in the game –

1) Encounter Pokémon with AR.

2) Catch Pokémon with Pokéballs.

3) Visit PokéStops to stock up on essential items like Pokéballs, potions, and revives.

4) Train their Pokémon and battle against Pokémon stationed at Gyms by other trainers.

5) Evolve their Pokémon by collecting enough Candy.

The Tech –

Pokémon GO leverages location-based augmented reality (AR) by combining GPS, map data, and the camera and gyroscope on a phone. While map data supplies the layout of in-game landmarks like PokéStops and Gyms, GPS tracks players' real-world positions. The augmented reality (AR) effect is produced via the phone's camera and gyroscope, which superimpose Pokémon on the outside world as seen through the screen.?

Working behind the scenes are powerful game servers that handle various critical tasks such as storing player data, managing Pokémon locations, and coordinating interactions between players. These servers keep gaming elements synchronized and updated in real-time. Unity, a popular game engine, is used to develop the mobile app, enhancing the AR experience with high-quality graphics, smooth animations, and interactive elements.

User Engagement and Community –

Pokémon GO's power resides not only in its fundamental gameplay but also in its ability to encourage user participation and a lively community.

Here’s how the game fosters engagement –

1) Exploration and Social Interaction - Pokémon GO integrates in-game components like Gyms to real-world locations, enabling players to explore and engage with one another. Gyms function as social hubs, encouraging competition and collaboration.

2) Online Communities and Forums - The online community of Pokémon enthusiasts, fueled by shared experiences, connects through forums, social media groups, and dedicated platforms, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

3) Real-World Events - Niantic hosts in-game events involving special Pokémon encounters and rewards, while the Pokémon GO community organizes local meetups to enhance the social aspect of the game.

Impact –

1) Increased Physical Activity - Pokémon GO encourages players to walk and explore their surroundings. This has clearly resulted in greater physical activity for many individuals, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

2) Discovering Local Landmarks - The game highlights real-world landmarks as Pokestops and Gyms, often leading players to discover new and interesting places in their own neighborhoods they might have otherwise overlooked.

3) Safety Concerns - A major concern of location-based AR games is player safety. Players immersed in the game may not be paying attention to their surroundings, resulting in accidents or injuries.

4) Compulsive Behavior - The game's rewarding mechanics and constant urge to "catch 'em all" can result in compulsive behavior.

5) Trespassing Issues - The placement of PokéStops and Gyms on private land or prohibited locations has resulted in trespassing issues.

Final words –

Pokémon GO's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. It not only rejuvenated the Pokemon franchise but also set a benchmark for future AR applications. While AR gaming continues to evolve, Pokemon GO's influence can be seen in various industries exploring the potential of AR. From enhancing educational experiences to creating interactive marketing campaigns, AR is making its way into diverse fields.