Locals go wild for Pokemon Go

Droves of people wander the streets of Salem, seeking to catch ‘em all in Pokemon Go.

Released just over a week ago, Pokemon Go is a free-to-play location-based mobile game that combines augmented reality and pop culture as players catch, collect, evolve and battle Pokemon.

But unlike most mobile games, there is a physical aspect to Pokemon Go. Players walk around looking for Pokemon while visiting Poke Stops where they collect goods to use in the game and stopping at virtual gyms to train and battle their creatures.

Ben Mathies, co-owner of Meta-Gaming, downloaded the game almost immediately despite previous poor experiences with the beta version. Mathies estimates that he spent eight to 10 hours at Riverfront Park the first time. A hotbed of activity, the park has multiple Poke Stops and a constant barrage of lures modules being dropped that then entice more Pokemon to the space.

“You either play this game with your friends or you don’t have friends for a year,” Mathies said. “I slept four hours the first day and the next four days trying to keep up with everyone.”

Photos of Pokemon Go players are just as entertaining as the game

The game can be casual or competitive.

On the casual side, it’s about collecting Pokemon. And with 250 different ones, it can be time-consuming, especially when not all Pokemon are available in all areas.

On the competitive side, it’s about training and strategy, as players aim to raise their experience and the combat power of their Pokemon. It’s about understanding how to level up and gain an advantage, Mathies said.

Yet Pokemon Go has more than just entertainment value. Mathies said it has potential for businesses, too, as a business listed as a Poke Stop will draw players.

A beginner's guide to 'Pokémon Go'

“I don’t think I’ve seen a better avenue for advertising since Facebook,” Mathies said.

Additionally, a lure module dropped at a Poke Stop to draw more Pokemon to the location draws more than just Pokemon; it also will draw people. Mathies thinks businesses can use this aspect of the game to encourage business. He is already exploiting the idea at his shop in South Salem.

Lures can make people stay for four hours, said Mathies, and they will eventually get thirsty.

Other businesses are also recognizing opportunities.

Outside the Cherriots' main office is a virtual gym. Salem-Keizer Transit is leveraging it to promote business by encouraging people to tweet pictures of Pokemon on the transit mall and at bus stops to @Cherriots. People who do will be entered to win a portable phone battery pack, which as players know, could come in handy with how much power the game requires.

The best way to play Pokémon Go? In a group

Willamette Humane Society is hosting “Pokehour” from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays. During this time, the lure module will be on the shelter dog house Poke Stop. Players can go sit with the shelter animals while catching Pokemon. Donations of canned cat and dog food are encouraged.

Gilbert House Children’s Museum, which has two Poke Stops nearby and one on the corner of its property, is experiencing a surge of attention.

One staff member said there were 70 people hanging around the museum when he left at 8 p.m. recently, according to Executive Director Alicia Bay.

“It’s fun to see so many people engaged and visiting our park area. It’s a Salem destination but this is a whole new group of people we don’t typically see,” Bay said.

But the museum is also feeling strain from the game.

“Teenagers and young adults loitering is concerning to some of our visitors,” Bay said. “It’s not the welcoming image that our visitors are used to.”

Additionally, museum parking has been affected and there has been an increase of garbage, and people smoking and vaping, said Bay.

Other sensitive locations include memorials and cemeteries. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., which was tagged as a Poke Stop, has asked that their site be removed from the game, noting that it is disrespectful to Holocaust victims for players to be catching Pokemon in their facility.

In addition to issues of respect, there are other safety concerns involved with the game. Players should not try to catch Pokemon while driving or riding a bicycle. There have been accidents. Do not trespass trying to catch a Pokemon. And be aware of surroundings when walking, so as to not step out into traffic.

Public safety agencies, such as the Silverton Fire District, are requesting players be courteous when visiting Poke Stops at such locations. Be sure to leave access areas open. Do not park in front of engine bays or emergency vehicles. But the fire district welcomes pedestrian players and has set up signs for Pokemon Go parking.

Email cwright2@StatesmanJournal.com, call 503-399-6671, or follow on Twitter @CarleeWrightSJ

What is it?

Pokemon Go is a free-to-play location-based mobile game that combines augmented reality and pop culture. It uses the GPS on your phone to create the game’s playing field along with augmented reality, which is a live direct visual of the real-world environment supplemented with computer-generated input.

In the case of Pokemon Go, the computer-generated input is a Pokemon (Japanese cartoon characters and card game figures, short for pocket monster) that is seen against the background of the real world. The technology enhances game play by bridging fantasy and reality.

How to play

“Pokemon Go” is a mobile app available for smartphones. Here’s how to play:

Download the app, and sign in using your email or set up a Pokemon Trainers Club account.

Select and style your character. Then choose your first Pokemon.

To catch a Pokemon, click on the Pokemon. You will then be taken to a screen with a Pokeball and close-up shot of the Pokemon. Swipe your finger over the Pokeball to throw it at the Pokemon. If you hit the target, the Pokemon, it will be captured by the ball.

Walk around to find and catch more Pokemon

Visit Poke Stops to earn in-game items, such as more Pokeballs, potions, eggs and other treats to enhance play.

Level up your Pokemon by redeeming candy and stardust, which is received with each Pokemon you catch.

Evolve your Pokemon by redeeming candy.

Once you are level five or above, visit virtual gyms to battle your Pokemon and further its skills and experience.