Pokemon Go Allows People Of All Ages To Explore Peterborough In New, Unique Ways
/The international sensation mobile game Pokémon Go—it's already become one of the most viral applications of all time—is now available in more than 25 countries, including most recently Canada.
Many people in Peterborough of all ages—and both hardcore and casual gamers—have immediately taken to to this pop culture phenomenon, which allows you to step outside, walk around, and discover Pokémon in the real world.
The game utilizes GPS, letting you interact with (and catch) Pokémon, which are integrated into your “real-world view” through your phone's camera.
Some Pokémon Go "trainers" dressed up to hit up the terrific community event Peterborough Pulse on the weekend...
Others tweeted about this augmented reality app at Peterborough Pulse as well...
There is no question Pokémon Go is a fun, engaging, addictive game that encourages people to get out and explore different areas of the city as these Pokémon "trainers" go on Pokémon "hunts".
Peterborough's Ryan Kirby loves it: "It's bringing people together from across cultural and demographic backgrounds," he tells PTBOCanada. "People are going out, walking around, and talking to other people. They are learning about the history and landmarks of their city through an augmented reality game which rewards players for discovering and spending time at these locations. Why are we seeing up to 50 people spontaneously appear across from City Hall every night? Because the game rewards this kind of community behavior."
Pokémon Go players in Peterborough. (Photo by Ryan Kirby)
And there are so many awesome areas in the city to be a Pokémon trainer...
Some may dismiss it as a game for college kids, teens and tweens but far from it—indeed, 40 percent of adults who have downloaded the game are 25 and over.
Photo via @SofieAndreou
The utility of this real world interactive game for bringing communities together is pretty amazing. Look what they did in Lincoln, Nebraska....
It's not hard to imagine great educational Pokémon Go excursions/parties/events organized around Peterborough like is happening elsewhere, as people get together for fun and discovery at parks, buildings, the downtown and beyond.
Of course, Pokémon trainers should not trespass on private property trying to find "elusive Pokémon" as OPP (playfully) remind us...
Photo by OPP
