Introduction to Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO began as an April Fool’s joke in 2014 when Google released a video promoting a job opening for a “Pokémon Master.” The video featured an explorer looking for wild Pokémon using Google Maps. Inspired by the prank, John Hanke, chief executive of Niantic Labs, asked his colleagues if Google’s fake game “may very well be done in the actual world.” This led to the event of Pokémon GO, an app-based game that revolutionized gaming using augmented reality (AR). The game was launched in 2016 and has since grow to be a world phenomenon.
How Pokémon GO Works
The basic premise of the sport is for players to capture Pokémon in a scavenger hunt that uses their mobile devices’ GPS to explore their surroundings in the actual world. Players can discover recent shops, restaurants, and other locations while playing the sport, which has been a boon to local businesses. The game has also been updated with recent features, including virtual social features that allow players to attach with one another more easily.
Benefits of Pokémon GO
Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Playing Pokémon GO has several mental and physical health advantages. Walking around is crucial to play the sport, and users are getting physical health advantages from the exercise. For example, a 63-year-old man reported that the sport had encouraged him and his wife to walk about 30 miles every week, helping him lose about 42 kilos and manage his diabetes. Additionally, the sport has helped individuals with depression and anxiety by providing a way of purpose and motivation.
Community Building
Pokémon GO has also brought people together, making a sense of community. Players are interacting with one another, sharing details about where to search out Pokémon, and forming friendships. The game has also been a boon to local businesses, with some stores reporting a rise in sales between 5 and 30 percent.
Economic Benefits
The game has had a major impact on the economy, with the market value of Nintendo growing by $9 billion inside five days of the sport’s release. The game has also earned hundreds of thousands of dollars through micro-transactions, with some players spending tons of of dollars on in-game items.
Drawbacks of Pokémon GO
Injuries and Deaths
Playing Pokémon GO has led to injuries and deaths. According to news reports, users have tripped, fallen right into a lake, crashed a automobile, and sustained other injuries while playing the sport. The National Safety Council has released an announcement urging people to be more cautious while playing Pokémon GO.
Unhealthy Impulses and Inappropriate Gaming
The app encourages unhealthy impulses and gaming in inappropriate places. Some players have didn’t respect their surroundings, capturing Pokémon in emergency rooms, birthing rooms, and other solemn settings. Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the 9/11 Memorial in New York City have all released statements saying that playing Pokémon GO or similar games is inappropriate on their premises.
Gaming Disorders and Privacy Concerns
Pokémon GO can contribute to digital addiction and gaming disorder. According to 1 study, as much as nine percent of players fit the standards for the disorder. There are also many privacy concerns with geolocation technology, with many app corporations tracking geolocation data without the person’s knowledge or consent.
Conclusion
Pokémon GO has had a major impact on society, each positive and negative. While the sport has brought people together and provided mental and physical health advantages, it has also led to injuries, deaths, and unhealthy impulses. As the sport continues to evolve, it is important to contemplate the potential risks and advantages and to take steps to mitigate the negative consequences. Ultimately, Pokémon GO is a mirrored image of our society’s values and priorities, and it’s as much as us to make sure that the sport is played responsibly and safely.
