Intersection

Pokemon Go’ has taken over because it’s innocent fun

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Edward Bravo, left, and his wife Christina play Pokemon Go during a Pokemon Go event at Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas Sunday, July 17, 2016. His brother Biaggio Bravo plays at center. About 1,500 people attended the event according to the Pokemon Go Las Vegas Facebook page.
Photo: Steve Marcus

With more active users than Twitter and Tinder, Pokémon Go has become the world’s most popular smartphone app since launching July 6. The augmented reality game has signed on more than 15 million people worldwide, many of them adults who grew up with the game (and later, cartoon).

It uses Google Maps and the user’s camera to display Pokémon characters, and players can then catch Pokémon, collect Pokéballs at Pokéstops and battle Pokémon at Pokégyms—all of which are real-life landmarks and places.

Sounds fun, right? But Pokémon Go has generated significant backlash. Aside from people generally thinking the game is stupid, there have been reports of people getting hurt while playing (like accidentally running into traffic), being targeted by muggers and playing in inappropriate venues (i.e., the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum).

Pokemon Go at Craig Ranch Regional Park

When played responsibly, though, Pokémon Go can be highly rewarding. Like going to the movies or playing other popular games, it’s a form of escapism—a cute one at that. If you’re playing, you need to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t Pokémon and drive. If you’re using your pet or kid as an excuse to go to the park to catch Pokémon, make sure you’re actually spending time with them.

Pokémon Go is getting people out from behind their computers and into the real world, and friendly interactions can mean a lot. Nonprofit Charity Miles, for example, has challenged users to raise money through their app while playing the game (if you leave the app running in the background, you can raise funds while you walk). In Muncie, Indiana, a local animal shelter is encouraging players to walk adoptable dogs while they play.

Locally, there have been Pokémon Go meetups and pub crawls all over the city. You can find info on events and tips on Pokéstops around the Valley at the Pokémon Go Las Vegas Facebook page.

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