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1. The Nostalgia 

Probably the reason most 90s/early 2000 kids launched the app in the first place -- to experience a real-life version of a game that captured our hearts as children. I had my fair collection of trading cards, Game Boy cartridges, plushies, VHS of the anime series, and t-shirts growing up as a kid. To be able to play the game in real life in my own community was a real treat! I love that players of all ages can enjoy Niantic’s Pokemon Go today.

2. The Exercise 

Since playing the game, I do so much more walking and exploring. Especially in the last year or so, this game has helped me reach my step goal almost every day (often times, I am exceeding that goal by far). I’ve toned down a lot since playing. Loving my reflection more than ever, I can’t imagine going back to binge-watching Netflix each day after work.

3. The Community

This is a big one for me. I consider myself such an introvert, and this game has helped me make new, amazing relationships. Even when raids first came out, I used to be too shy to approach a group of strangers. I would often just walk right on by. But through social media, I was able to connect with a lot of players in my area, and I see most of them very regularly for Community Days and raids. It was uncomfortable for me to start meeting these people in person, but most new amazing things or ways to grow are always a little uncomfortable at first. I’m so glad this game was able to help me break out of my little bubble. I feel my community has instilled a healthy competition amongst its players that keep us striving to be great players. I’ve also reconnected with old friends that play.

4. A Great Distraction 

This year has been a tough one for me. I lost my darling kitty of 9 years, Mankey (guess where that name came from!) in June. I did my fair share of grieving after he passed, and thinking about him now still makes me very sad. However, I was playing Pokemon Go even the very next day. I still felt the weight of his loss laying in bed each night, but this game helped me take my mind off things during the day when I needed to be productive. I honestly believe if I didn’t have this as a distraction, I would have relied on more destructive, self-medicating “remedies” to distract me from my sorrow.

5. It’s Free! 

Yes the game does not cost to play, and when I first started playing I was adamant on not spending any money on it. One may have to grind a bit more than those who do spend money on it, but Ninantic does an amazing job of making sure the experience is not lost for those players. That being said, now that this game consumes a lot of my life, I do not mind spending the occasional dime on it. For me, it is worth it for a game that I play all the time and gives me such joy.