So apparently my town is infested with quite a few animals. I’ve personally caught 5 “Rattatas”, 3 “Weedles”, and some ugly monstrosity called a “Drowzee.”
Yes, I’m talking about Pokemon Go. Launching just two weeks ago, this app is currently the most successful mobile game of all time.
Personally, I’ve been a part of the group wanting classic Nintendo games on my iPhone for years. Nintendo has resisted though, instead releasing the social game Miitomo earlier this year followed up by Pokemon Go. When I first heard about it, I expected it to fail: old Nintendo just doesn’t have the same spark it used to have anymore (in my opinion).
Boy did they prove me wrong. I think Pokemon Go is a fascinating example of giving your audience what they didn’t even know they wanted.
Marketing
To be honest, the only reason I knew this app launched was because every tech website I visit was talking about it. I don’t follow Pokemon or Nintendo on any social media channels, I use ad blockers on my personal computers, I don’t watch a whole lot of television, and the app is too new for any of the magazines I subscribe to to have ran any ads for it.
In short, I live in a marketing bubble yet I couldn’t avoid hearing about Pokemon Go. Successful marketing is getting others to be your marketing army. In that area, Nintendo has knocked the Pokeball out of the park (or should I say arena?).
Usability
I’m 35. I like to think of myself as still cutting edge, even though most of the music I listen to was produced before 1995 and I still feel like Ross and Rachel’s daughter should be a two year old (as of this article’s publication date, she’s over 14!). I usually don’t struggle too often with figuring out tech, so its interesting to me that a number of people have had to explain how to play the game to me.
I had no idea that “Pokestops” were where you could get more “Pokeballs” — then again, I also didn’t realize that you could run out of said Pokeballs which would necessitate a visit to a Pokestop. Player beware: instructions are not included!
I really like the augmented reality camera view when catching a Pokemon, though I was disappointed to learn that isn’t how the entire game functions. I think Nintendo could have taken a huge leap into virtual reality by making first person view through your camera the default option at all times.
Longevity
For me, I’m ready to delete the app. My son is not as he thinks its cool to go “catch ‘em all”. I love how this app has gotten families out walking together, and as an initial proof of concept as to how we can eventually get to an Oasis-like gaming environment — its great.
But I’m already bored. I can’t participate in any “Gyms” as I’m still a level 3 player (even though I’ve captured 14 Pokemon). I don’t think I have patience to wait until I collect another (estimated) 12 Pokemon to start doing battles at a gym — especially since I don’t even know what I would do at a gym.
But I’ve read rumblings of the option for sponsored Pokestops, and it sounds like Nintendo may have an interesting monetization plan in the works. So in terms of longevity, it sounds like this may be around for quite a while.
And I think most importantly, this app is a generation one product — a proof of concept of whats to come. Augmented and virtual reality are going to be the next big thing in the mobile space.
Do I Recommend it?
Yes. I know this review hasn’t been the incredibly positive review you’ve probably read everywhere else — but its because I’m just not the target audience for this app. I’ve tried it, and while my son likes it, I’m still waiting on Super Mario, Zelda, and Metroid.
But everyone is different. And I know of people who really, really like this app. Obviously, its insanely popular. I encourage you to give it a try, if anything just to see where I think the future of the mobile space is headed. And if these sponsored stops become a reality, your business may soon be infested too with Pikachus and Bulbasaurs (if it isn’t already!).
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