Unless you have been living under a rock, you’d know about Pokémon Go. The game is already out in Malaysia and it has taken the country by storm.
To-date, Pokémon Go is by almost every measure, the most successful mobile game. Unlike a normal video game, Pokémon Go is an “augmented reality” game where players use their smartphone’s camera and GPS system to “catch” Pokémon in their home environments instead of a virtual world.
Pokémon Go has become widely popular for a variety of reasons. Of course, fun and free to download being the main two reasons. Some fans are saying that the game has helped their mental health in ways other mobile games simply do not allow.
Pokemon Go is literally making people with depression and anxiety and agoraphobia leave the house and explore the world and socialise.
— jason? (@jasonjarmoosh) July 8, 2016
Pokemon GO really helps with my social anxiety.
— Fenrir Wolfen (@Fenrirwolfen) August 7, 2016
The game encourages player to go outside, walk around their neighborhoods to look for Pokémon to collect, which unintentionally giving motivation to people who like staying in to get out and have some fresh air, without having to focus on the fact that they are experiencing an unfamiliar environment. Individuals could get a quick relief from anxiety or depression by playing Pokémon Go.
https://twitter.com/drwdal/status/750614414806675456
https://twitter.com/osskov/status/751461002743410688
On top of that, the game has been increasing social interaction between players both in-game and reality. Pokémon Go users get more social interaction along the lines of a friendly smile and greeting.
this guy at the airport was playing pokemon go next to me so we decided to walk around and find pokemon together
im in love
— mama maddz (@maddiewelborn) July 8, 2016
It may be too early to declare the game as an effective resource for mental therapy. Give it a few more months and we will see where it goes!
Have you played Pokémon Go yet? Do you think it will continue to grow in Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us.
Read also: 5 Smart and Simple Ways to Get Back on Your Workout Game
– Cover Image: birminghammail.co.uk
