The unprecedentedly successful Pokemon Go game has been sparking the interest of Georgia State University students and staff.
On Georgia State’s Facebook and Twitter, there have been updates about the wide use of the game on campus. The university also endorsed Team Mystic for its signature blue color.
Georgia State has also been using the game to attract volunteers. For example, the institution shared a post about an animal shelter asking people to come walk dogs while playing Pokemon Go.
Kairo Symister, a Georgia State student, said he is excited about the release of the game, because it encourages an active lifestyle.
“I feel like it’s an amazing concept because it does something that thousands of companies have failed to do: make kids exercise. With Nintendo, the span of people the game appeals to extends to Pokemon followers since the 1990’s,” Symister said.
The way players collect Pokemon is through exploring outside, which opens opportunities for exercise and communication with other players.
Georgia State student Isaac Spann said he plays the game by exploring the city.
“When the game finally released, Pokemon fans, such as myself, got excited for yet another Pokemon, but this time on mobile devices. The game is a new and inventive idea and approach to mobile gaming,” Spann said.
Players can be seen walking around, on their phones, but Pokemon trainers have noticed there is much more potential than simple communication with their electronic device.
“Through gyms and Pokestops, I’ve met tons of people, some old, some young, that I’ve bonded with over the love and appreciation of the game,” Symister said.
And with the game’s popularity, there has been concern for the safety of players.
“I can see the game causing issues, but with a game that promotes exploration, anything is possible,” Spann said.
