Pokémon mania

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SEPTEMBER 2016 | David Claridge

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IF YOU happen to see groups of people playing with their phones around the pewter statues in Deloraine, they are probably playing a game that has taken the world by storm in a short time, Pokémon Go.

In the new app, gamers can use their phone in the real world to capture these ‘pocket monster’ creatures, encouraging people to go outside and search for them.

D e l o r a i n e Pokémon Hunter, Connor Deckers, likes how the game is very sociable because it brings communities and groups together.

“It was the new thing that often people want to be involved with. There is a thrill in going around and finding something,” he said.

“Pokémon seems to many people like a children’s game, but a lot of it is playing on nostalgia. Most people I see playing it aren’t kids. The youngest I’ve seen are young teenagers.”

Local businesses are taking advantage of the renewed craze. The Empire Hotel in Deloraine has a Pokémon themed night on Wednesdays.

Westbury Pokémon Hunter, Eliesha Hill, likes how the game is encouraging fitness.

“I’m walking around Westbury a lot more, with the full round trip walking to each Pokestop and gym averaging around 4.5km each day,” she said.

“I’m 33, and as I was never into Pokémon growing up, I’m getting lots of advice from the younger generations playing and making new friends.

“Pokémon can spawn basically anywhere. I’ve even caught a few in my bedroom, so you can be travelling anywhere and suddenly a Pokémon will appear.

There are several ‘Pokestops’ in Westbury, such as the Village Green near the RSL as there are two gyms and seven Pokestops in a 500 metre area.

“It’s nice to see something positive happening out in the community. People of all ages play Pokémon Go and it is really encouraging to see everyone interact in a friendly and helpful manner,” said Ms Hill.

“If a game can bring so many different people together and rally behind others who feel like outcasts, then it’s a game humanity could learn from.”

[udesign_icon_font name="fa fa-camera" color="#000000"] Mike Moores