Whatever happened to Pokémon GO! players?
Pokémon GO! is a distant memory to some, but for current users it created a platform for building community.
The game took the world by storm within the first few months of its release July 6, 2016. People of all ages walked through parks, down alleys, sidewalks and roads in search of the famous monster characters, causing traffic jams and several accidents.
Game developers launched an update, adding missions and side quests to the game that was initially focused on capturing and securing Pokémon, according to the game’s website. The addition of raid battles and community days encourage players to work with others in the same location to defeat powerful Pokémon.
Since the introduction of the features last year, several Pokémon GO! communities have formed throughout Memphis.
Groups gather almost daily to battle in raids in Midtown, resident Will Segal said. Players obtain a free raid pass once a day when they visit a gym. Gyms are located around town; some popular areas include Levitt Shell, Overton Square, Union Avenue and Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Segal and his wife, Courtney, moved to Memphis about a year ago and found their niche through Pokémon GO!.
“We have met just the most welcoming people,” Courtney Segal said about the Midtown Pokémon GO! group. She began playing when she moved to Memphis because of the new updates. She enjoys the social aspect of the game.
When they moved to Memphis, the couple didn’t think they would stay for long, but the lasting friendships and community they formed through the game changed their perspective, she said.
“We are going to put our time, money, heart, soul back into this place because the Midtown community and the Pokémon GO! community has showed us that we love Memphis,” Courtney Segal said.