I have never really understood the craze of Pokemon Go. As my path has never crossed with a Pokemon-goer, it has never mattered to me that much.
Imagine my surprise whilst in the beautiful Frogner Park in Oslo. It happened whilst I was looking at the amazing but slightly strange sculptures in the park when our paths collided!
There were at least 50-60 people with their heads deep in their phone and standing within the frames of tourist’s photos. They were using their power packs to charge their phones for a game rather than to take photos of lasting memories.
It made me ponder for a moment. Why were they not enjoying this wonderful place? Why were they not enjoying the culture of the city? Why come here at all?
I felt it ruined the atmosphere of touristic places but could I be wrong? So, once leaving Norway I did a little online research on Pokemon Go. Was I missing something? Is there something about the Pokemon Go craze that I failed to get a good grasp of?
Interestingly, during my research, I discovered that places use Pokemon Go to bring people to their city. It attracts Pokemon tourists. Perhaps, Pokemon were helping tourist boards.
I thought further. Once I was a child uninterested in culture, as well. I had been dragged around, sulking, by my parents. I am pretty sure that I would have benefited from an incentive of cartoon characters.
So either love it or hate it. Pokemon Go is here to stay . . . until the next craze kicks in.
I was never allowed to watch Pokemon growing up (my mother’s rationale was that I would go around the house, yelling “Hiya!” and kicking my brother). But I definitely understand the community aspect of Pokemon. Were you able to ask any tourist boards about how Pokemon has been helping or hindering their major hotspots at all?
I haven’t gotten into the game, but it’s bought about a lot of fond childhood memories and I have occasionally started watching the old episode or two, so in a way I kind of get the craze. Saying that, it would drive me mad to see people ruining a shot I want because they’re sitting in the way playing pokemon!
I love pokemon go! I still play with them till now HAHA! People in PH really take pokemon go seriously! Malls always offer lure party. It was funny haha
Perhaps I need to try it. If you can’t beat them, join them 🙂
Actually, isn´t Pokemon Go out of fashion already? :p I don´t know to be honest haha, I don´t play it but my friends here were going crazy and drove through the city at 2 am to search for pokemons haha. It´s also very funny because some friends yelled for fun at a bunch of people who were openly playing it that there was a rare pokemon and people ran like their life was going to end. Obviously the pokemon wasnt there haha.
I was hoping it was out of fashion. If it is then that’s great news 🙂
I still don’t know much about Pokémon as games are not really my thing. BUT that said I believe everyone has a right to do and participate in whatever brings them joy and happiness. If Pokémon gets people outside in the sun instead of behind a video game on the couch then awesome! But if being on the couch behind a video game is your thing too, no problem there either. We should all be able to do what we love judgement free 🙂
You are completely right. Better to be outside stuck behind a screen than indoors and stuck behind a screen 🙂 I was just shocked to see so many people there.
I wasn’t huge into Pokemon as a child and we can barely access it here in South Korea. I do think it’s kinda sucky that people may not be enjoying these cool cultural scenes but on the bright side that means better pictures for me. When I’m in a country that has Pokemon, I do plan to give it a whirl, just to say I did it. 🙂
It is always good to try things before you judge I suppose but perhaps I am scared that I will like it :-0
I love Pokemon Go! I live in Sydney and the Opera House is a major spawning spot! Trust me 50-60 people is nothing! There are thousands doing this in Circular Quay! You made me laugh about the battery packs and charging in the go! This is critical for players as it sucks the power dreadfully! Download it. I dare you lol
Oh no! I am not one for passing on a dare. Ok, I will 🙂
I haven’t got into, maybe because I never was into Pokemon on TV when I was younger. I like the idea that it helps connect places with people in an interactive, unique way – but yes, it might also detract from the site. But then anything that attracts tourists to a new site could be said to the do the same! Put lots of people in one spot and the magic disappears. I’m not sure what the balance is.
Perhaps that is why I haven’t too. I also didn’t watch Pokemon as a child. I suppose it is about getting the mix just right