If you have been cruising the web in the past two months, it is almost certain that you have come across something relating to Pokemon Go. Pokemon has grown into a massive franchise since its release in 1995, resulting in trading cards, television shows, toys, etc. On July 6, 2016, Niantic launched the Pokemon Go app in which players were able to create their own Pokemon Go avatars. Players could become trainers who travel the world, capturing and battling fictional monsters in their quest to become the best Pokemon trainers. Pokemon Go was a massive hit this past 2016 summer, and the game continues to attract the minds of the teenage population.

In this cellular app, Pokestops are scattered across the map, marking various landmarks in which players can gain Pokeballs and experience points needed to level up. The game uses the phone’s camera and position sensors to create the illusion that these cartoons are in the actual world. From this concept, critics may say that Pokemon Go gives the young demographic another reason to stay inside to use their cell phone. In actuality, however, Pokemon Go forces players to get off their chairs and roam the outside world. The app uses the phone’s GPS and camera to aid players in their quest to find find Pokemon in the real world. Players must venture their neighborhoods, visit Pokestops, walk around to find different Pokemon, and walk a certain number of miles in order to hatch  their “Pokemon eggs”, earning players a new Pokemon. Other features of this app include: Pokemon based off of their surroundings, different Pokemon teams a player can specialize in, and Pokemon gyms that allow players to battle other Pokemon.

Although Pokemon Go has encouraged the young population to journey the outdoors, the app has led to many problems and controversies since its release. Some say that using the app while walking distracts players from enjoying the outside world. Others have noted that addiction to the game has resulted in many injuries, car accidents, and players roaming into private areas such as people’s homes. With all that aside, the unmatched success this game received over the summer has left players in a sense of wonder as to what Niantic is going to do next.