If you aren’t living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the massive release of “Pokemon Go.”
Maybe you’ve seen the hundreds of pictures of animated creatures hounding your Facebook wall, or you’ve read about the teenage robbers in O’Fallon using the app to target victims. You may have heard about security issues with Google accounts. Perhaps your children are obsessed or you’ve begun to notice lots of people aimlessly walking around with their phones out.
I figured Springfield Business Journal readers might be curious, but I doubted you’d want to spend your own valuable time playing it. I downloaded the app so you don’t have to.
“Pokemon Go” is an augmented reality game that uses the GPS system in your phone. It sends players out in the real world to catch Pokemon – which are strangely reimagined versions of actual creatures – and uses landmarks and other spots as benchmarks for play.
Check out these early figures. Analytics company SensorTower estimates the app has been downloaded more than 7.5 million times in the first week on the market for Apple and Android devices. On all mobile platforms, the app is estimated to have generated more than $14 million via in-app purchases since launch, according to SuperData Research.
Compare this to the Ingress app, a similar augmented reality game encouraging users to travel to different locales, which pulled in over 7 million downloads two years after its December 2013 launch, according to industry estimates.
Co-owned by Nintendo, the Pokemon app stats are impressive. It shows there’s an audience for augmented reality apps, which could be used for other purposes successfully. The tourism industry immediately comes to mind. In the app, real-world locations, like the Heer’s building, the downtown movie theater and various murals, are used to attract players. Could the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau or a business that relies on tourists benefit from something like that? I would think so.
I loaded up the app for a test run. I do have familiarity with the Pokemon world, but I knew only the basics going in.
After registering with my Google account, I was greeted by a chipper old fellow named Professor Willow. I’m to collect Pokemon, he says, which is a similar start to other games in the series. “Remember to be aware at all times,” a game message reads. “Stay aware of your surroundings.” I then have to create an avatar. Only three visor choices and I’m forced to don anime hair? Ugh, fine.
My avatar is then plopped onto a map of Springfield. Hey, that’s pretty cool, I can see the square from here. That street must be Campbell.
I choose Businessjournal as my nickname and I’m given a complimentary Pokemon. The app asks me to use my camera, which then detects the cartoon character sitting on my desk. I toss a magical Poke Ball at it and bam, I’ve caught my first creature. I receive experience – basically, points – and then am set loose into the actual game.
I can see what’s interesting about it. There are several marks on the map indicating places to explore. But, to get items used in the game, you have to get up and walk.
I take a quick stroll up to Park Central Square and locate a Pokemon called a Doduo – it’s a two-headed bird – in front of the Heer’s building. It feels a bit odd with my phone out taking a picture of an imaginary animal on the street.
Others, it would seem, have gotten past that point of awkwardness. I take note of at least 10-15 people around the square, all with their phones out, presumably doing the same thing I am. It’s an odd sensation, knowing several people around you at a random spot are all performing the same task. This must be that sense of community I’ve heard the app inspires.
I spent a couple more hours with it, staying mostly downtown, but the map spans the city and the world. I grabbed Pokemon in front of Originate’s new co-working space, at the Bistro Market and on Campbell Avenue headed north.
Some landmarks, like the fountain on the square and the Regal theater, are set up as gyms where you can train your Pokemon and battle with others.
Though there are a few more features, that’s basically it. You walk around town to collect Pokemon, train them and show them off to friends on Facebook.
It’s a bit shallow, but my largest takeaway is that’s it’s getting people to explore Springfield. Despite my personal feelings that the game isn’t particularly worth playing, I can’t fault it for that reason.
The Queen City is worth exploring, but often people don’t take the time to do so. If a silly app gets young people to learn about Springfield, it stands to reason they could become more connected to the city and the community.
Again, as an average reader of SBJ, this app is probably not going to appeal to you on a personal level. It’s just not really worth the time when more substantial projects can be taken on.
But I think your children playing it is a good thing. I guarantee it will give them more appreciation for where they are. Just make sure they stay safe.
As crazy as it sounds, if apps like this have staying power, it could seriously help our economy.
Web Producer Geoff Pickle can be reached at gpickle@sbj.net.
