Tokyo - Depending on who you ask, Pokemon Go is either a revolutionary smartphone experience or potentially lethal fad.
Either way, here's an overview of the app that has soared to the top of download charts and added $7 billion in market value to Nintendo.
What is Pokemon GO and how do I join?
While the new game released last week for iOS and Android swept the US, Australia and New Zealand, it's not yet available elsewhere. It follows the basic premise of Pokemon, a Japanese videogame and anime series where adventurers travel the world seeking “pocket monsters” to train and battle with each other. The app allows users to wander their neighbourhood in search of Pokemon characters who pop-up as if in real life (i.e. on your phone).
How does it work?
After downloading the app and creating a character, users see an anime-like version of Google Maps that hides street and area names, and replaces real-life landmarks with Pokemon-specific buildings. As users navigate the real world, their in-game character mirrors their movements and will randomly encounter Pokemon characters which, with luck, they'll be able to capture and add to their team.
So what’s so fun?
Besides the appeal of collecting hundreds of varieties of rare Pokemon - which can be thought of as virtual pets which users must train and take care of - players also join one of three global teams and battle for territory. Beyond the digital appeal, users say they enjoy how the app encourages them to explore their towns and cities and interact with others. For example, two women in New Zealand rented a kayak to claim territory in the middle of Wellington's bay.
As users acquire and strengthen more Pokemon, they use them to battle other players for control of Pokemon Gyms, which are scattered throughout the world. Not only do users enjoy building teams of strong or unique Pokemon, but each user is assigned to one of three teams - Team Instinct, Mystic or Valour - and claiming a Gym strengthens the global ranking of each team.
Does it cost money?
The game is free, but users can buy items in the app instead of through real-life experiences. For example, travelling to a PokeStop within the game may allow the user to collect rare items. Alternatively, lazy players who don't want to search for a PokeStop can simply buy them.
Nintendo owns an undisclosed part of Niantic, the San Francisco-based developer of the game. Investors are betting that the game's chart-topping debut will mean millions of users will buy virtual items and businesses will pay money to advertise in the game. Pokemon Company, which is a separate company from Nintendo, also owns a stake in Niantic, as does Google.
Wandering through public spaces while glued to your smartphone is asking for trouble. A late-night hunt for Pokemons in Missouri led some players into a trap set up by armed robbers, local media reported. Meanwhile, US highway authorities have told gamers not to drive while playing with the warning “Eyes up, Poké Balls down, people,” on its official Twitter feed.
Here are monster-hunting basics for those interested in trying Pokemon GO...
* Download a free Android or Apple smartphone Pokemon GO app.
* Choose an avatar.
* Walk to a "PokeStop" icon pictured on the map and tap on it to reveal photos of the real-world location you are standing in front of.
* Spin image to obtain supplies such as balls for capturing monsters.
* Progress to the next level by visiting PokeStops and capturing Pokemon.
* While walking, watch smartphone map for what appear to be bursts of leaves or grass.
* Go closer.
* When a Pokemon image appears on a screen tap it.
* Switch to camera mode.
* Scan surroundings through smartphone camera to see Pokemon.
* Hold finger on Pokeball at bottom of smartphone screen.
* Swipe finger to toss Pokeball at Pokemon.
* Hit target to capture Pokemon.
* Increase a Pokemon's power using stardust and creature-specific candy found in the game.
* Reach Level 5.
* Walk to a gym, represented on a map as a tower.
* Once close enough, tap on the icon to enter the gym.
* Chose to join the red, blue or yellow team.
* If a gym is controlled by a rival team, challenge the ruling Pokemon for dominance.
* After defeating a rival Pokemon, leave your own Pokemon to rule the gym.
* If a gym is controlled by your team, challenge the incumbent Pokemon for status.
* Use teamwork to keep control of gyms.
* Don't venture where it is not safe or you are not wanted.
* Remember your location is being tracked so others might find you.
* At the start, refrain from selecting a Pokemon to get coveted Pikachu later.
BLOOMBERG & AFP