Pokemon Go: How Does It Work and Can Catching 'Em All Help Local Businesses?

By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

Cleveland, OH — Pokemon Go is sweeping the nation, and business owners are taking note.

Pokemon Go, which launched last week, encourages users to get out and GO "catch 'em all" by using real locations to encourage players to find Pokemon. Rather than playing solo in their bedrooms or basements, players are getting outside and conversing with people at public places about the game.

How does it work? As you move, your smartphone vibrates to let you know you're near a Pokemon, which is a "pocket monster." Players then throw a PokeBall to catch it and add it to their PokeDex. The game uses your phone’s GPS and camera to turn the real world into a gigantic scavenger hunt.

In each town nationwide, developers have added PokeStops— from libraries and churches to public art installations, historical markers and monuments. An in-game item called a “Lure Module” attracts Pokemon to a PokeStop for 30 minutes, and they're visible and attainable to everyone nearby.

According to Forbes magazine, businesses are jumping on the PokeWagon and advertising that they're a PokeStop on their Facebook pages, which is a great way to entice players to come into their stores.

Have you downloaded Pokemon Go in Cleveland? Tell us where in the comments!

Read more about Pokemon Go here.

This Pokemon Go enthusiast is most likely referring to the RNC.

Image via Pokemon Go app