Pokemon Go and Niantics Antics
July 6th, 2016. 21 million smartphone users eagerly downloaded Pokemon Go and hit the streets. Today there are over 78 million active players . Pokemon Go is a mobile app that allows players to catch Pokemon wherever they are- breaking through the constraints of gaming-specific devices. Pokemon ‘trainers’ can battle friends, trade, and participate in timed events. I downloaded the app during a family vacation when everyone- including my mom- was playing. I love the childhood nostalgia and simplicity. Once I turned on activity sync with my Apple Watch, I started taking long walks to level up fast. But when I went to add my friends, they had all quit! Niantic, the company that bought the licensing to create Pokemon Go had raised their prices and found themselves in a boycott. Now when I scroll through the official Pokemon Go Instagram feed I find monthly game content updates, merch releases, blank, and a million hate comments. Niantic created a more inclusive game fo
