Walking inspires new game play

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Many teens find Pokémon Go a way to explore and interact with their community.

By Mayeli Vivaldo, Editor in Chief

What started off as an April Fool’s joke by Google turned into the popular app Pokémon Go.

What players find so interesting about Pokémon Go is that the app requires its players to go outside and walk around in order to find and catch Pokémon.

Although some people would assume exercising to play a game sounds tiresome, Pokémon players enjoy this feature.

“I get to roam around my town and get to see landmarks that I never knew were there before. You get to go out and explore your own world instead of just sitting inside and be in a virtual reality,” junior Jovani Gonzalez said.

The idea of catching Pokémon in real life is perceived as a dream come true for dedicated fans.

“For many years, people wanted to be Pokémon trainers and own Pokémon since they grew up with Pokémon. This app gave them the opportunity to be trainers and travel to places,” junior Jesus Jurado said.

The app has also created a lot of new and enthusiastic competition between players.

“Everyone just loved Pokémon games from the very beginning and were looking for a new way to interact with their love for the game. Having an entirely new format really added a lot of lure to the game,” junior Dylan Brown said.

The app also spurred and created a friendly community.

“This app has actually brought a lot of people out into the real world and has created a community. It’s one big community where you’re welcomed for who you are,” Gonzalez said.

Pokémon Go also gives its players the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone.

“There’s kids who have been bullied, but now that there is this app, they actually go out and communicate with people who have the same interest as them and make friends. It has helped players meet new people and bond with them,” Gonzalez said.

Niantic, the company responsible for Pokémon Go, plans on releasing new updates on the app to increase the interaction between players. They have not set a specific date for when the updates will come, but they are expected soon.