Is Pokemon GO The Future of Gaming?

[Vladd67]

A little something.
Pokemon Go: Make sure you stop before you GO. – I Think, IMHO…

 

[Old_Man_Steve2016]

There's a Darwinian aspect to this game that I've just noticed. At least 5 people have died playing the game. It's a real-life Lemmings simulator, only its the player (literally) falling off the cliff. 2 California men fall off edge of ocean bluff while playing 'Pokemon Go'

 

[hopewrites]

While at work yesterday, a coworker asserted that muggers a haunting known Poki spawn points.

I haven't tried looking for substantiating data, but it sounds plausible. I remember when people asserted that chat rooms were peopled with scammers just trying to make a quick buck. While true then, things shook out and the more vulturous portions of humanity moved on.

 

[Ursa major]

I now feel a little less anal about trying (not always successfully) to walk down either a new road or a new footpath each time I go out for my constitutional. (This morning: Thorn Road and two** new footpaths.)


** - I only had*** to use one, so I seem to have voluntarily walked down a footpath I could have "found" on another day.

*** - I only walk down a cul-de-sac if there's another way out (e.g. a footpath or an open area).

 

[Vaz]

Yes hope, those stories are true, teenagers have been mugged at gunpoint.

I don't think it is the future. Too many people (me included) would prefer a console, controller and some good ole' Mario and Luigi Koopa stomping fun.

 

[Nick B]

Can't imagine playing Elder Scrolls 15 walking down the street with a virtual sword. And stuff like pokemon just isn't my cup of tea
My daughter desperately wants this, though I'm not sure I like the idea of an 11 year old girl wandering around with no awareness of whats around her, brandishing a smart phone.

 

[kythe]

It's not an inherently dangerous game. As with anything else in life, you have to use common sense. There are millions playing this game right now, but I have heard of only once instance of mugging and that was in the first week.

My daughter and I spent a morning downtown last week looking for pokemons. Since that is an area well populated with pedestrians, pokemons were all over. It's also fun meeting other people doing the same thing - it makes for a good conversation starter and enjoyable outing.

People doing stupid or dangerous things because of the game make good news pieces, but they are truly a minority.

 

[Old_Man_Steve2016]

If the tornado kills her, do we have to feel bad?

 

[Gawian]

So what, we shouldn't have a fun game because there are stupid people?

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Can't imagine playing Elder Scrolls 15 walking down the street with a virtual sword. And stuff like pokemon just isn't my cup of tea
My daughter desperately wants this, though I'm not sure I like the idea of an 11 year old girl wandering around with no awareness of whats around her, brandishing a smart phone.

Yes, I think I scared my 13-year-old son when he was all set to go venturing around town (nearby bigger town than the one we live in -- where I work) and I started telling him to watch when he crossed streets and to pay attention when passing people who might be interested in taking my iPad from him if he wasn't looking. He decided not to go. I didn't mean to scare him off it -- it's pretty safe around here, but my kids aren't accustomed to crossing streets at traffic lights and stuff. We don't have any in our little town here.

 

[Toby Frost]

I always thought that there would be potential for a sandbox-style game for the Nintendo Wii, where you explored places on the screen by literally walking to them. I never could find one, sadly. Probably should have walked further.

 

[Vladd67]

I always thought that there would be potential for a sandbox-style game for the Nintendo Wii, where you explored places on the screen by literally walking to them. I never could find one, sadly. Probably should have walked further.

A proto holo suite?

 

[TheWhompusKitty]

I downloaded it but haven't really used it. I'm not a cave dweller, and can often be found outside, weather permitting. It's great that Pokemon Go is getting some indoor people to spend time outside, but when I'm outside I want to be biking or gardening or looking for real actual wildlife. Saw a pair of muskrats in a river the other day and that was pretty thrilling. Basically, my level of enjoyment outdoors is so high that there is no motivation to play Pokemon Go.

And I don't want to go looking for that motivation. Quite frankly, I'm already a little uneasy at the level of screen time in my life. I do play a variety of games (I like WoW, although my account is currently lapsed, Fallout, and Simpsons Tapped Out), so I'm not trying to judge people. I also like table top games, like Pompeii and Seven Wonders. But with screens, time can get away from me in an ugly way. Playing a puzzle game on my phone with something on the tv is very relaxing for a while, but past a certain point it's just compulsive and nothing but regretful. Everything in moderation, I guess, but for now Pokemon Go isn't for me.

 

[cyprus7]

It just launched in Japan. The stores selling battery phone extensions etc were very happy when interviewed on TV - they've lots of customers now, as GO is a battery hog.

 

[Rodders]

I'm not a player of the Pokemon games, but i love the social aspect of this game and it brings a smile to my face to watch people searching for their next battle.

 

[AnyaKimlin]

What do you think American Chroners? UK guys, are you anticipating the release of Pokemon Go in the UK? Albeit it is a younger generational thing...

I don't know if we're supposed to be anticipating it but the younger generation are savvy enough not to have to Mine have been playing it for about 3 weeks - although my daughter has broken her leg so is waiting for her cast to come off before we can properly play it.