Introduction to Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm, catapulting augmented reality technology into the mainstream. The free mobile game has almost as many energetic users as Twitter, despite being launched just a short while ago. The game’s success has driven co-owner Nintendo’s share price up by almost 50 percent, adding over $10 billion to the gaming company’s value.
What is Pokémon Go?
Pokémon Go is a free game for Android and iOS where players attempt to catch Pokémon, little creatures best known for the 90s TV show and associated trading card hype. The game uses augmented reality technology, constructing on top of Google Maps, and asking players to interact with the actual world. The interface is a map that leads users to actual physical parks, train stations, and other public places to seek out the pocket monsters.
How the Game Works
Pokémon and the special ‘gyms’ where players can go to coach them is perhaps situated in real-world locations anywhere across the globe. When players get close enough to an anchor point on the map, the sport switches to a camera view, overlaying what we see within the real-world with animated Pokémon or other elements of the gameplay, using AR technology.
The Impact of Pokémon Go
While most laud the positive effects of Pokémon Go, a rare example of a game that promotes in-person interaction with other people and physical activity, some have identified the potential dangers. There is a risk of users getting themselves in dangerous situations by, for instance, running into traffic to catch a Snorlax. Some also paint grim scenarios of Pokémon Go-related crimes, with Pokémon featuring because the creepy van-man’s Twenty first-century version of free candy.
The Virtual and Real World
The game raises necessary questions on the connection between the virtual and real world. By using augmented reality, the sport is exerting a really real effect on the physical world, directing people towards open public spaces like parks or to points of interest like statues. While much of that is benign, we are able to already see the negative impact it has had on some people.
Augmented Neutrality
The revenue model of Pokémon Go is currently based on in-app purchases, however the physical element of AR-based applications opens up a complete additional world of money-making opportunities. What if firms could pay to show their locations into exclusive Pokémon gyms or a roaming place for rare Pokémon? By luring in potential customers with the promise of a Mewtwo to-go with their morning cappuccino, firms could ‘steal’ a buck or two from the competing small businesses across the road.
The Need for Regulation
If we’ll indeed see a growing use of the augmented world, we’ll need to start out fascinated about the implications this added dimension can have on our actual physical world. We have strict rules for fair competition and overly visible promoting in our shopping streets – does the world as we see it through our smartphone screens need similar protections? The original web community placed loads of emphasis on maintaining net neutrality, and it is perhaps time to start out fascinated about similar guiding principles for an augmented world.
Conclusion
The success of Pokémon Go is prone to help augmented reality technology grow to be mainstream. As the industry grows, we’d like to regulate developments so we are able to address future issues before the platform becomes too dominant and established to control. With the potential for augmented reality to alter our streets without end, it’s essential to think about the implications and be sure that we create a good and neutral augmented world.
