Fostering at Least One Parent-Child Relationship

Rather than zoning out on the latest Teen Titans Go episodes during our road trip, my son frequently requested that I pull over, take a right, and generally explore various points between our home and our destination. I can't tell you how wonderful it was, during a 3 hour drive, to hear "can we explore here?" rather than "are we there yet?" So, thumbs up for creating a situation where parent/child can bond and engage, while going about our mundane, normal lives. My son even captured a Pokémon in an aisle at the liquor store while his old man was picking up a bottle of wine. Atta boy!

Fostering Connection to Mundane Environments

Urban environments are not particularly interesting for kids. Pokémon Go injects a little fun into these spaces, with an emphasis on landmarks and points of interest. Since Pokéstops are often at post offices, city halls, and other utilitarian locations, this fosters an understanding and appreciation of the urban environment. Sooner than I can say "I'm going to the Post Office", is my son buckled up and ready to go. On the way to the Post Office, he often asks to visit City Hall, as well as a park with a beautiful statue and fountain. "Have to get out of the car, dad. We can't earn credits if we're driving." MUSIC TO MY EARS!

Fostering Local Ecosystems

There are ways that businesses can also interact with the Pokémon ecosystem. Without getting into too much detail, "lures" can be placed at Pokéstops, which will attract various (sometimes rare) Pokémons. Neighbouring businesses have been known to feed the wandering creatures, and are often a great place for certain types of Pokémon interactions. A whole guide can be written on the various ways businesses can partner with Niantic and the Pokémon Go universe, but much of this is still conjecture (to date, McDonald's restaurants are the only big partnership signing). Once this system is more rationalized, I will add some of this information for brands, parents and consumers.

For now, the developers are being careful to not pollute the ecosystem with too much commercial content. But, they will be carefully opening the doors to fostering local ties between consumers and businesses, as time moves on.

If you want to include some comments about landmarks or businesses that should be included, you can fill out this form.

For partnership inquiries, Niantic can be reached here: partnerships(at)nianticlabs.com

Conclusion

In theory, a game this engaging and interesting could be a total mind melt for kids and parents alike. But, given that Niantic have consciously developed the game around principles of health, safety and discovery, I really can't not be a fan.

We haven't paid any extra money for credits, upgrades, and Poképroducts™, but yet my son has had a wonderful time, occasionally playing the game as we drive around during our day to day lives. Trips to the grocery store are more fun for both of us. I like seeing his excitement when he discovers new creatures. And he loves having a personal Pokédriver and virtually unlimited data plan!

The usual caution needs to be taken with Pokémon Go, as with any other digital game , but this to me is mostly common sense. Having played the game now with my son for 2 months, I'm sure Niantic's heart is in the right place, and I'm looking forward to more updates, upgrades and features for this true game-changer.

Pokémon Go: Highly nutritious if consumed in moderation!