Pokémon Go

06/07/2016

Pokémon Go is a free-to-play location-based augmented reality (AR) mobile game. Developed by Niantic and published by The Pokémon Company as part of the Pokémon franchise, the game was released worldwide for iOS and Android devices.

As a game based on AR and GPS location, players need to travel in the real-world to capture, battle and train the virtual creatures. Pokémons can appear anywhere, and with many things to do, the game was highly anticipated long before it was released.

Pokémon Go

The game quickly became one of the most used mobile apps short after its launch, surpassing the previous record held by Candy Crush Saga in just a few days. With the massive popularity, Pokémon Go was able to bring back the stock value of Nintendo which owns a part of The Pokémon Company.

Nintendo wasn't performing well, and its stock value has decreased since the company couldn't compete with Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox. Since Pokémon Go was released, its stock value increased 25 percent in a couple of days, and more than 50 percent after a week.

The game met mixed reviews. Some praised it as one of the game that will bloom more AR-enabled and GPS games which make use of the real-world environment instead of just sticking with the traditional in-screen experience. Some medical professionals even have gone to a point saying that the game could actually improve the mental and physical health of the gamer. However, it also attracts some controversy to reports of causing accidents and being a public nuisance at some locations. Many gamers have gone to great length, height, and depth to get those virtual creatures without concerning their well-beings.