GORE BAY—The mobile sensation Pokemon Go, which just recently officially launched in Canada, has reached Gore Bay and area.
“It’s awesome in Gore Bay,” stated Christian Howald of Sudbury, one of a group of family and friends who could be seen, and getting some odd looks at times, from residents in Gore Bay last week as they stared at their phones looking for fictional creatures in Pokemon Go. He pointed out, “there are lots of Pokestops in Gore Bay, probably between 25-30 with parks and gyms locations. It’s great that free wi-fi is being provided by Manitoulin Transport.”
The rest of the group that visited the Recorder last week included Jean and Chloe Freeman, Julie Howald and Allen Burton.
“I own a camp on Ice Lake,” said Jean Freeman, adding that, “people here (Gore Bay) have probably been wondering what we are doing looking at our phones all the time while we are walking around town.”
Prospective Pokemon trainers could officially download the mobile gaming sensation Pokemon Go in Canada as of July 20. The augmented-reality game launched in the United States, Australia and New Zealand earlier this month.
The game sends players into the real world to search for the mythical digital pocket monsters known as Pokemon, who appear onscreen when users hold up their smart phones in various locations at various times of the day.
The game requires users to visit different locations, Pokestops and gyms, based on landmarks, parks, and venues recognized by the player’s smartphone’s GPS system.
Pokestops are locations where Pokemon periodically appear. Players have the chance to capture them by launching Pokeballs at the characters in an interactive fashion that incorporates the user’s smartphone camera to make the Pokemon appear in as if in the real world.
“It’s crazy,” stated Mr. Howald, “but it forces people to interact and get out and walk. My son walked with us for seven kilometers the other day and a friend of mine said they met more people in three days using the Pokemon than they have the rest of their life. It keeps people active and walking, which is a good thing.”
“A lot of people in Kagawong were participating the weekend. My daughter is teaching me how to play the game. It is fun doing this,”
Jean Freemans said.
“Since we’ve been on Manitoulin the past few days I’ve walked 23 kilometres—it’s great,” said Mr. Howald.
