December 18, 2020 – Note: The photo used is from a pre-COVID event.
Pokemon Go was an undeniable smash hit when it burst onto the scene back in July of 2016. By September of the same year, it had been downloaded to over 500 million mobile devices. The number of users steadily increased and by March of 2019, the app had been downloaded by over 1 billion people worldwide.
Due to the pandemic, the developers of the game have made changes and added features to work in a world of social distancing. For example, the game’s quest or “research” system had encouraged large group gatherings in order to find rare pokemon, and live events often had people walk long distances. The game’s developer has since added in items to replace the need for large gatherings and long-distance requirements.
In Decatur, there are more than 1,500 people in a group to collaborate and share information about the game. Pokemon Go – Decatur Illinois started when the game came out in 2016. Before the pandemic, the group would have monthly meetings where they would meet up at the library or other places near the downtown area. One of their largest meetings rallied together over 120 players.
But the group isn’t just about the game says group Admin Will Wuertz.
“I know personally I have met people from different walks of life because of this group that I never would have met otherwise and made friendships that extend beyond the game where pre-COVID I went to their kid’s birthday parties, messaged shared difficulties, and celebrated victories that have nothing to do with the game or the group, but the group is how we started the relationship.”
The group has plans to continue with gatherings when the pandemic is over but, for now, they continue to be active on Facebook. Due to the changes made to Pokemon Go, the group is still ale to do many things they did in large groups from the comfort of their homes.
So, if you’re an avid player of Pokemon Go, have the social distancing blues, or just wanna catch ’em all, go check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/PogoDecatur.
