Category Archives: What is Pokémon Go?

What is Pokémon Go?

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Pokémon Go is an augmented reality gaming app created by the developer Niantic. The aim of the game is to catch pokémon, level them up, collect items, find PokeStops, battle in gyms and trade.

Hand holding mobile with the Pokémon Go homepage on the screen. Includes Pokémon Go logo and two buttons: returning player or new player.
Pokémon Go home screen.

The game was released in 2016, but since then has continued to grow in popularity. In May 2018 the game saw more players than it had seen since its launch. Becoming the 5th most popular mobile gaming app of 2018. More and more kids are getting on board with the pokémon craze, but why does the game create so much interest?

Pokémon History Lesson

Pokémon has been around since the 90’s. The franchise was created by Japanese video game developer Satoshi Tajiri. He came up with the idea of a world filled with fictional pets, know as pokémon (or Pocket Monsters). These colourful creatures can come in many different varieties and types. Pokémon exploded in popularity after the release of Red and Blue for the Nintendo Gameboy in 1998. Becoming loved by children worldwide. Although nobody predicted its success, Pokémon became the second most commercially successful game franchise in history.

Gameboy cartoon with a arrow pointing towards a iPhone cartoon. Implying technological change.

The Pokémon ripple effect is still seen today, with many games and spin offs finding success. During its lifespan, the franchise has had hits in several areas, including:

  • Handheld games (Gameboy, Gameboy Advanced, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS).
  • Gaming consoles (Nintendo 64, GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, PC).
  • Playing cards.
  • Television series.
  • Movies.

Pokémon Go was the first attempt made by Niantic at breaking into the mobile gaming market, and it sure did made a splash! Becoming one of the most popular mobile games for children today. The kids are having just as more fun catching pocket monsters today as they were in the 90’s.

Original Pokémon Theme tune from the 90’s spin-off television series.

Augmented Reality

One of the many things that makes the Pokémon franchise so popular is its use of new technologies. Back then it was handheld gaming devices (such as the GameBoy), and today it is augmented reality.

But what is augmented reality?

This is when we use mobile technologies to bring the virtual world into the real world. Apps that use this exciting technology request access to your camera phone. What you then see through the camera looks real, but another layer or reality has been included. For example, animated Pokémon can be added to room. These animated characters are not ordinary images, they move, emote, and you can interact with them.

As you move the camera around, you will see a pokémon appear from the ground. This could be in the living room, the street, a park, the sea, the possibilities are endless. You must try to catch these pocket monsters before they run away. Do this by aiming the phone camera towards them and ‘throwing’ a pokeball (by swiping your finger on the screen). For the perfect catch, you must carefully point the camera and perfect your aim.

Demonstration of Augmented Reality in Pokémon Go, Catching an Ekans in the corridor.

Its a Pokéworld After All

Augmented reality shocked the globe and created excitement about future of mobile gaming. The hype was not only about Pokémon Go. It was also about the potential for AR to make everyday experiences more interesting. Whether it be walking to school, catching a bus or sitting in a waiting room. An opportunity had now opened up to make the boring parts of the day a little more bright.

It is perhaps no surprise then that the Launch of Pokémon Go was the most successful launch of a mobile game to date. Taking the number 1 spot on the Apple app store during its first week. Kids flocked to the game because of its colourful aesthetic and AR functions. And of course, to see their favourite pokémon come to life in front of their very eyes.

This excitement was about to take a turn for the worse. The worldwide news was quick to pay attention to all this buzz, and began reporting on the dangers of Pokémon Go.

A Killer Gaming App

Shortly after the game’s release, the press claimed that children were getting hurt using Pokémon Go. With some reports asserting that kids were dying from playing the game. One website even goes as far to call itself the Pokémon Go Death Tracker. The causes cited for death predicate on a few different factors:

As parents we must be aware of dangers, but we must also shield ourselves from scaremongering. The headlines are often sensationalist or click-bait, and so hold little credibility. In many of the cases, the reports are exaggerated and part of a fear campaign. Not to mention, it can rarely be 100% confirmed that Pokémon Go was the direct cause of the accident. Pokémon Go is regularly used worldwide, with peak downloads of 90.5 million during first week. So it was inevitable that this popular game would be implicated in some cases.

All this negative press seemed to take its toll, as the game declined in popularity over 2016 and 2017. Yet the game has recently saw a resurgence in popularity as of 2018. Since its release, the Pokémon Go has received many updates. Including frequent safety alerts and notifications. These notifications appear when starting up the game, and also when catching pokémon in-game.

Notification screen reading: do not enter dangerous areas while playing Pokémon Go. Ok button.

These notifications are a great addition and help remind our children of potential dangers. With that said, it is still important as parents that we understand the risks of the game. It is easy to feel frightened by news reports on Pokémon Go, but worry not! With a proper understanding it can become a great tool for parents. We promise that the extra effort is worth it. As there are many benefits for our children’s learning, mental health and physical wellbeing.

The first step for staying safe and getting the most out Pokémon Go is understanding how to play. This helps us as parents better understand the ins and outs of the game, and make better choices for our kids.

Getting Started

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Understanding how to play Pokémon Go can help us connect with our children. Creating family bonds and building a common interest across generations. Understanding the gameplay mechanics is the first step in this journey.

Understanding how the game works also helps us make more informed choices. Allowing us to decide first hand whether or not this game is suitable for our parenting style.

Here are some of the key things you need to know to get started in Pokémon Go.

Setting up an account

To begin, you must first create an account with Pokémon Go. To do you must follow these steps:

  1. Download Pokémon Go from your mobile app store.
  2. Start up the app.
  3. Click ‘New Player’ from the home screen.
  4. Choose to create an account using your Facebook, Google or Pokémon Trainer Club account.
  5. Read and the Pokémon Go Terms of Service and either ‘Accept’ or ‘Decline’ (you can only continue if you accept).
  6. Make sure to leave the ‘Email me events, offers and updates’ box unticked. This will protect you/your child from intrusive advertisements.
  7. Read the updated Pokémon Go Privacy Policy and then click ok.
Pokémon Go Terms of service notification box. 'We've updated our Terms of Service. Please review and accept before continuing.' Option to tick 'Email me events, offers, and updates. Accept or decline.

Although it can be time consuming, it is important to read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy in full. So that you understand the privacy risks involved with the game.

Now that you have understood the privacy risks of Pokémon Go, do you wish to continue playing? and would you allow your child to have an account?

  • If your answer is NO, how about trying Pokémon Go Offline? This gives you the same benefits, but without the issues of data collection.
  • If your answer is YES, great you are ready to start playing.

Follow on to the next screen where you get introduced to Professor Willow. Listen to what he has to say, as he will explain the world of Pokémon to you. Setting you the exciting task of catching ALL the Pokémon across the globe!

Creating your Avatar

The next step is to create your avatar. First you must choose the gender of your character. You can then personalise their appearance by changing:

  • Hair colour
  • eye colour
  • skin colour
  • hat
  • necklace (female only)
  • glasses (male only)
  • t-shirt
Female avatar in character customisation screen changing t-shirt. Wearing a stiped shirt over a yellow vest, red shorts and black tights.
Female character customising t-shirt.
  • bag
  • gloves
  • belt
  • bottoms
  • socks
  • footwear
  • Character ‘pose’.
Male Avatar in the character customisation screen changing hat. Upper torso only. Wearing a Pikachu hat and a striped t-shirt over a white top.
Male character customising hat.

Don’t worry too much about getting the look right first time, as you will be able to change this later. Not to mention, progression in the game will earn you Pokécoins. Which you can then redeem for premium clothes and items.

The final step for finishing setting up your account is to choose a nickname. This will give your new character a unique personality. But take care not to use your child’s real name.

Create a nickname option in Pokémon Go. Reads 'Enter the nickname that other Trainers will use for you.' The nickname chosen is Anonymous123. Option to click ok.

Example

If your child will be using this account, make sure that you use a pseudonym. Strangers will be able to see this name. So choosing an anonymous nametag is essential for keeping their identity protected.


Navigation

If you haven’t played Pokémon Go before, the on-screen map may seem a little confusing. Here is an explanation of what you are seeing on-screen

Diagram of Pokémon go map screen which is numbered 1 to 10.
  1. This is a Pokémon gym, where you can battle with other players.
  2. this icon shows the current weather, at the moment it is cloudy. Different Pokémon will appear depending on the climate.
  3. The compass button allows you to toggle between two settings. A north facing map and an auto-rotating map (spins as you move your phone around).
  4. This icon is a PokeStop, players must go here to collect items, such as pokeballs.
  5. This is a wild Pokémon, you must walk within radius if you want to catch it.
  6. Your avatar and their location on the map.
  7. This is the profile icon, click on it to expand the menu and reveal your progress and medals.
  8. This is your buddy Pokémon who walks by your side. The more you walk your buddy the more it will level up.
  9. Click the pokeball icon to expand the main menu. From here you can reach your Pokedex (showing all the Pokémon you have caught so far), the online shop and the game settings.
  10. The wild Pokémon bar shows what Pokémon may be nearby. Test your child’s (and your own) knowledge by trying to guess the silhouettes!

Great, so you now understand how to get around. Now it is time to go out, start catching pokémon, and level up your character!

Joining a Team

Once your character has reached level 5, you will presented with the choice to join one of three teams. Team Valor (red), Team Mystic (blue) or Team Instinct (yellow). Once you have chosen a team, you will be stuck with them forever, so it is important to make the right choice for you!

Team valor logo, Red fire bird Pokémon called Moltres.

Team Valor

Team Valor are driven by power and value success. Their supporters are passionate. Seeking out the strongest Pokémon across the world to take into battle.

Team mystic logo, blue ice bird Pokémon called Articuno.

Team Mystic

Team mystic pride themselves on tranquillity and wisdom. They are driven not by emotions but rather though a desire for knowledge.

Team Instinct logo, yellow electric bird Pokémon called Zapdos.

Team Instinct

Team Instinct do not seek power or wisdom. Instead they trust in their own instincts, and the innate power of Pokémon. Choose if you like the underdog.

The team you choose will determine the community you are a part of. It also affect the perks you receive throughout the game, so choose carefully!

Helpful Resources

You should now have a better idea of how the game works and how to play. Now is the time to use this knowledge yo have fun with the kids… or why not try it just for yourself? Pokémon Go is enjoyed by all ages, and has something for everyone.

If you want more tips, or you are experiencing difficulties, please visit the Pokémon Go official support page. There are also many helpful video resources helping you learn how to play.

Here are just a few:

How to catch Pokémon
How to level up and evolve your Pokémon.
How to start playing Pokémon Go: The Basics.