6 ‘Pokémon Go’ players explain how the game has changed their lives

It may be hard to believe, but it’s now been over three years since Pokémon Go first pika’d its way into our hearts.

Three years since July 2016, when the game was rolled out country–by–country by Niantic. Remember how awesome that summer was? It was hard to even step outside without seeing someone with their nose in their phone, app open, flicking many a Poké Ball across their screen.

That level of excitement was never going to last, though. Like all viral crazes, Pokémon Go‘s moment in the sun didn’t last forever. After peaking with 28.5 million daily U.S. users a week after the app launched, the numbers steadily dwindled over the coming months. By April 2017, not even a year after launch, there were headlines saying that four out of five players had quit the game. 

But not everyone did. As Niantic steadily released new features and generations of Pokémon, plenty of players stuck around — and some new ones even came on board.

Mashable spoke to a bunch of people who still play the game to find out why they’re still catching them all, and how it’s changed their lives…

Sarah Whitehead, 34, works in customer service, lives in Stretford, UK.

Whitehead downloaded the game when it first came out, but stopped playing for a while because it drained the battery of her old phone. She picked up a new phone, and got back into the game, last October.

Whitehead plays every day on her way to work and during her lunch break, as well as during the game’s special community days.

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“As I’ve said before it’s great escapism. And also community days help you feel part of a team — I recently went to an evening event at Chester Zoo where they opened the park just for Pokémon players. It felt great to go somewhere and feel like you were around kindred spirits.” 

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life?

“This game has done wonders for my mental health — it helps you as you have a reason to get out of the house and have a walk, it introduces you to parts of your local area and landmarks that you wouldn’t have noticed before. It’s great for mindfulness as you can focus on playing and forget about anything else you might have going on in your life. It’s brilliant.”

Adam Heasman, 36, works as a photographer, lives in Kent, UK.

Heasman said he’s played every Pokémon game at one point, so Pokémon Go was a no-brainer. He downloaded it when it first became available and plays on his commute to work.

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“They do some great timed events so it’s about catching things while you can. I have been accused in the past of having FOMO so this is a good way to channel it!”

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life?

“It has certainly made me more active. I try to average 12,500 steps a day, which my phone lets me know I have hit. So it’s a great way to get some exercise and give into my hoarding tendencies without having a house full of the things I collect!”

Dave Cobb, 29, works as the director of enterprise applications at a university, lives in London.

Cobb plays the game every day and spends around £20 on it a week. He meets with other players in the pub each week for a trading session, and heads out into London as part of a big group during events. He downloaded it when it first came out.

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“The people. Without the community I’ve found I wouldn’t be playing. Niantic has built an addictive event-ception model and kept the game fairly fresh, but the game still suffers very frustrating bugs and their support service is dire (especially when you’re spending loads on the game!). Two of my best friends (from before Pokémon Go) also play the game in Surrey and have found similar communities — occasionally we visit one another for a community swap of sorts.

“When my PoGo friends and I go to the pub, yes we’re all on our phones, but we’re talking to each other, organising days out and helping one-another — we’re all planning for next year’s big international Pokémon events so we’re here for the long haul.”

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life?

“I’ve met my neighbours! In London we all tend to avert eye contact and never really meet local people, but this game demands you get out there and you can’t complete key parts of it without other people. 

“I’m part of a WhatsApp group in Richmond of nearly 200 players and a London Discord group that’s much larger. I’ve made dozens of friends, travelled abroad (for Pokémon) with some, and had others round for wine and pizza. It’s really refreshing and reassuring to know so many people that live near me. I also average 18,000 steps most days which I’m pretty sure the game has contributed to!”

Hannah Cook, 27, works as a Campaign Manager for a commercial radio group, lives in Cardiff, UK.

Unlike the other players we spoke to, Cook is relatively new to the game. A friend re-introduced Cook’s girlfriend to it, and she decided to join up too so they could play together. Now she plays every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“I haven’t been playing for three years, but I can see why people have been. Pokémon Go is really good at putting on special events within the game, so there are storylines such as Team Rocket taking over PokéStops and it gives you the opportunity to catch different types of Pokémon. As long as the game keeps waving the carrot of cool and different Pokémon to catch, and research tasks to complete, I’ll be interested. The game constantly rewards you for playing so it gets addictive quickly. I’m a bit nostalgic for Pokémon to be honest, as I was in primary school when it was big the first time around — pretty sure I cried when I lost my shiny Clefairy card at school!” 

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life? 

“Somewhat — in a short space of time, I would say it has had a positive impact on my life, mostly with exercise. I’m thinking every day about walking more — the more you walk the more the game rewards you. It’s got me out of the house a lot more in the evenings and exploring places of interest or architecture in Cardiff that I didn’t know were there but had previously walked past every day, so that’s cool. 

“It’s been really fun to indulge in a game that my girlfriend enjoys — I’m not a gamer, and she is, so it’s been fun to bond over it. I’ve had some snarky comments about being an adult and playing it, but I don’t care. I joined a Facebook group so I can get hints and make friends within the game. I was really surprised that people organise raids together, the community’s friendly.”

Penny Andrews, 38, works as an academic and freelance journalist, lives in West Yorkshire, UK.

Although Andrews plays mainly by herself, she also sometimes meets up with friends — and she’s made news ones through trading Pokémon, raiding gyms and completing special tasks. She downloaded the app when it first came out in the UK, and plays most days.

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“The evolution of the game mechanics, with new ways to play as well as making it more challenging and adding more Pokémon.”

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life?

“I had an accident and broke my ankle, and it got me out and walking further once I was allowed to walk again. I’ve played it in Australia, Canada, Germany, the U.S., and in the airport in Abu Dhabi (which kept me sane). I have mental and physical health issues and it’s good to have the routine and rewards. I also love sending gifts from interesting places to friends who I know are playing with their kids.”

Will Kostakis, 30, works as an author, lives in Sydney, Australia.

Kostakis plays for close to 30 hours a week. He originally played while he was walking to and from places, but new in-game features — such as daily tasks and community events — have led to him playing more. Local players organise raids in a Facebook group chat he’s a part of, and he plays with friends during events. 

What is it about the game that’s kept you playing?

“Definitely the daily tasks and the addition of shinies and raids. After completing the initial Pokédex (catching all the 150 Pokemon), I found I had almost stopped playing it entirely, but with the addition of Gen 2 [the second generation of Pokémon] and since, I don’t think I’ve missed a day.”

To what extent would you say the game’s changed your life?

“There’s definitely been a strain on my relationship — the passive hours can add up, especially on weekends. It takes a concerted effort to avoid it (but it’s gotten more difficult as more daily tasks and “hooka” have been added over time). 

“That said, I moved out of the family home just after the game was released, and it allowed me to form a bond with my new neighbours, and I now have a close network of friends. Yes, we meet primarily to play, but I’ve forged some solid bonds. As somebody who travels a lot for work, it gives me a reason to explore my new surroundings, and I often make (fleeting) new connections with locals over the game. 

“I do find I use social media a lot less now, because Pokémon doesn’t allow multitasking.”

So, maybe you’re not still catching them all like these dedicated folks. Maybe you’re more of a wizard than a trainer…