Quick Guide on Location Games for the Uninitiated!
Hey everyone! I’m honestly as excited for Pokemon Go as all of you. It’s especially exciting because it’s made by Niantic Labs, who did another location-based game that I was into a while ago, Ingress!
This hype has led to the realization that this may be the first location-based game for a lot of you. That’s okay! But that also mean there’s going to be a lot of “aww I didn’t realize this :(” moments for all of you. That’s okay too!
Based on what we’ve seen and my experience with location-based, GPS-based or not, I want to give you all a few tips on how to get along in these games.
Between GPS and data, plus possibly Bluetooth for Pokemon Go and other devices, leaving your app up will leave your battery thirsty for juice. Ingress is known to anihilate people’s phone batteries, and Pokemon Go may not be too much different.
Always have at least a spare charger and a battery pack on you at all times! It’s dangerous to be wandering around anywhere without your phone ready. Take a break at a Starbucks or somewhere like that and charge your phone every once in a while!
There are some really cool solutions out there, some cheaper than others and some that are a lot more elaborate. Some people even hook up their batteries to bikes! But just make sure that you have some juice in your phone.
Wandering around outside holding up your phone like a dork looks odd to most people. Even if everyone texts, there’s a particular appearance and vibe you’ll give off if you’re playing a location-based game, especially if you’re new. Don’t worry about it! You’ll find a way of going out and about that fits you.
Depending on when and where you are, you might be questioned by the police or someone else of authority. Just explain what you’re doing plainly, maybe give them a peek at the screen of your game – from experience, most people actually find these kinds of things really interesting.
The usual “trust your gut on strangers” rule applies here, too. Being on your phone gives you the advantage of having an excuse to ignore a person, so do that if you have to.
Know your area before you leave! Locations games are a great opportunity to explore a new area, but it’s pointless if you have no idea where you’re going. Also know where you came from and, if applicable, learn transport schedules or keep them on you.
Also, don’t go anywhere you’re not allowed to! Trust me, it’s really, REALLY not worth it. Lean against fences, lean against the wall, whatever, sometimes you REALLY want that thing and it’s a matter of a foot, but if you don’t think you should go somewhere, don’t go there. Plus watch your step, look before you cross the street, etc.
Wear sneakers. You’re going to be walking a LOT. Don’t kid yourself.
Know the weather! Bundle up, bring an umbrella. Texting gloves exist if you need them!
Bring water! Walking is still exercise and it’s good to stay hydrated.
Keep at least a bit cash on you. Always have at least $30 on you at all times for an emergency (mostly taxi issues but sometimes for meds), but you never know when you’ll want something.
If your game is already established, find a community! A lot of location-based games, being location-based, have local communities. Feel free to reach out – a lot of them are willing to dump resources on you to help you get started!
Feel free to add if you think of anything. Happy hunting!
jbbartram-illu
origamiaround
annaxmalina
pixelskylines
titsay
theartofmadeline
