The Pokémon craze first began in 1996 when the original pair of Pokémon games were released for the Nintendo Gameboy. In that 20 year period, the Pokémon franchise has grown to include films, animated television shows, toys, trading card games, and much more. Cumulatively the Pokémon games have sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making Pokémon the second-most successful video game franchise in the world, behind only Mario. Last week, Pokémon entered the world of augmented reality when Pokémon GO was released for iOS and Android.
In the game, players begin by customizing an avatar used to represent themselves, including gender, clothing, and a nickname. They are then tasked with catching their first Pokémon and embarking on a quest to “catch ’em all.”
Players encounter Pokémon and catch them by using their smartphone’s camera to augment reality and interact with the world. They can visit local landmarks called PokeStops, such as Ivy Agee Memorial Park in Gordonsville and the Smith County Soccer Complex, in order to obtain items to help them on their quest and experience points to level up their Pokémon trainer. After capturing several Pokémon and training them to become stronger, players can join one of three teams and fight at Gyms (also real world locations, such as the Gordonsville Post Office and Public Library) to claim them for their own team.
The popularity of the game has already caused the creation of several Facebook groups dedicated to the three teams players can join, allowing the members to work together to become stronger. Popular locations for Pokémon trainers in Smith County include Main Street in both Carthage and Gordonsville as well as area churches, many of which serve as PokeStops.
Players are urged to remain careful while playing the game. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office has released a statement reminding players that it is illegal and dangerous to play the game while driving, and there have been reports throughout Middle Tennessee of people being stopped by law enforcement for “suspicious activity” while visiting PokeStops late at night.
