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Depending on whom you ask, Pokemon Go is either a revolutionary smartphone experience or potentially lethal fad. Either way, the app has soared to the top of download charts, is poised to pass Twitter in daily usage and has added US$7 billion in market value to Nintendo Co.
The game appears set to launch soon in Hong Kong - CNET reported that the games’ Asian servers temporarily went live on Monday, briefly allowing play in the SAR before being shut down. Regardless of when the action officially begins, here’s an overview to get gamers ready.
What is Pokemon Go and how do I play?
While the new game released last week for iOS and Android swept the US, Australia and New Zealand, it’s not yet available elsewhere. It follows the basic premise of Pokemon, a Japanese videogame and anime series where adventurers travel the world seeking “pocket monsters” to train and battle with each other. The twist? The app allows users to wander the real world to hunt down Pokemon characters who pop-up on their smartphone screens, overlaid on an image of their actual environs.
How does it work?
After downloading the app and creating a character, users see an anime-like version of Google Maps that hides street and area names, and replaces real-life landmarks with Pokemon-specific buildings. As users wander about in the real world, their in-game character mirrors their movements and will randomly encounter Pokemon characters which, with luck, they’ll be able to capture and add to their team.
What’s so fun?
Besides the appeal of collecting hundreds of varieties of rare Pokemon - which can be thought of as virtual pets which users must train and take care of - players also join one of three global teams and battle for territory. Beyond the digital appeal, users say they enjoy how the app encourages them to explore their towns and cities and interact with others. For example, two women in New Zealand rented a kayak to claim territory in the middle of Wellington’s bay.
What’s the point of collecting Pokemon?
As users acquire and strengthen more Pokemon, they use them to battle other players for control of Pokemon Gyms, which are scattered throughout the world. Not only do users enjoy building teams of strong or unique Pokemon, but each user is assigned to one of three teams - Team Instinct, Mystic or Valor - and claiming a Gym strengthens the global ranking of each team.
Does it cost money to play?
The game is free, but users can buy items in the app instead of through real-life experiences. For example, traveling to a PokeStop within the game may allow the user to collect rare items. Alternatively, lazy players who don’t want to search for a PokeStop can simply buy them.
Why is Nintendo now worth US$7billion more than last week?
Nintendo owns an undisclosed part of Niantic Inc, the San Francisco-based developer of the game. Investors are betting that the game’s chart-topping debut will mean millions of users will buy virtual items and businesses will pay money to advertise in the game. Pokemon Co, which is a separate company from Nintendo, also owns a stake in Niantic, as does Google Inc.
Is all this monster hunting dangerous?
Wandering through public spaces while glued to your smartphone is asking for trouble. A late-night hunt for Pokemons in Missouri led some players into a trap set up by armed robbers, local media reported. Meanwhile, US highway authorities have told gamers not to drive while playing with the warning “Eyes up, Poké Balls down, people,” on its official Twitter feed.
(BLOOMBERG)
