Pokémon GO Takes Country, Stetson by Storm

Photo of a Pokemon Zubat on sidewalk
A Pokémon Ekans character appears on the lawn in front of the Stetson Welcome Center
An Ekans appears on Stetson Green in front of the Welcome Center. (Kara Cummings photo)

A hugely popular new smartphone game, Pokémon GO, is taking the country by storm, and Stetson has quickly become a hot spot for students, faculty and staff alike. A quick walk around campus, even in the summer months, shows just how popular the game has become in a short time. Everyone from summer campers to staff (on their lunch break, of course) can be seen walking around Palm Court or Stetson Green holding up their phones and chasing after something unseen.

Developed by the software company Niantic in conjunction with The Pokémon Company, Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game that takes place in the real world using your smartphone as a “looking glass” to see creatures called Pokémon that aren’t actually there. The game uses different real-world landmarks to designate in-game locations called PokéStops, which the player must physically travel to in order to collect in-game items. Other landmarks signify larger in-game locations called Pokémon Gyms where players can battle (in the game, not the real world) to take control of the location for their team.

Stetson’s DeLand campus is a hot spot for these locations with many buildings designated as PokéStops. Gordis Hall and the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center are Pokémon Gyms. Because Stetson is a hot spot, Pokémon of all types can be found roaming the campus.

The game has been credited with bringing people together in large groups and getting people outside and exercising as the game requires you to actually move around in the real world. With so many players spanning many generations, expect to see plenty of people around campus this fall looking at their phones and walking around like they have no idea where they are going. The game is available for both Android and iPhone, so if you haven’t tried it yet, join the Stetson community and give it a shot! Be sure to follow guidelines for safety as you play (see below).

Stay safe and good luck to all the Pokémon Trainers out there!

By Charles Hiller ’12

A Pokémon Pidgey character appears in front of Holler Fountain on Stetson's DeLand campus.
A Pidgey appears in front of Holler Fountain in the Palm Court. (Charles Hiller photo)

Safety tips for Pokémon GO

Distracted people looking at their smartphone isn’t anything new, but Pokémon GO’s new app has raised some concerns. According to a Daytona Beach News Journal article, the local Sheriff’s office issued a notice saying, “We encourage you to continue to follow all local, state and federal laws while playing…and never, ever use it while driving.” Other suggestions include:

  • Come to a full and complete stop at PokéStops.
  • Take Niantic’s warnings (see below) to heart and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Don’t walk into traffic.
  • Don’t go places you normally wouldn’t go.
  • Stay hydrated.

Pokémon GO’s developer, Niantic Labs, says under its Pokémon GO Trainer guidelines, “We want Pokémon GO to be a fun and safe experience…”

  • Be respectful of the people you meet
  • Respect privacy
  • Adhere to the rules of the human world (this is probably important)
    • Be alert at all times
    • Stay aware of your surroundings
    • Do not trespass