A Dummies Guide to Pokemon Go (in case you're still clueless)

Pokemon Go is yet to be launched in India, but most are already playing it on the sly. We bring you nine important facts you need to know about this game, so that you don't feel left out.

1. The word 'Pokemon' is an acronym for 'Pocket Monster'. The word was popularised in 1995 after the release of a video game by the same name. The 'Pokemon' has emerged as a popular cartoon character among kids world over with numerous comic books, movies, cartoons and TV serials sprouting from the franchise.

Also read - Pokemon Go: What you didn't know about everyone's favourite new obsession

2. Pokemon Go, which a location-based augmented reality mobile game, was developed by an American software development company Niantic Inc and launched by The Pokemon Company on 6 July, 2016. It is a free-to-play game for iOS and Android users and uses GPS system as well as the camera of the device. The game supports in-app purchases of additional gameplay items.

3. So far, Pokemon Go has been released in Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Britain, Ireland and the United States. Its launch in Asia is still awaited. However, it can still be downloaded in Asian regions through unofficial methods.

4. The game has broken all previous records of popularity within the first week of its launch in USA, Australia, and New Zealand. On 12 July, It had become the most-used mobile app in the United States with 21 million active users.

5. On 12 July, the game became the most active mobile game in the United States ever with 21 million active users. Such is the speed of the installation of this game that the company's server has crashed several times already.

Also read - What's made Pokemon Go such a viral success?

6. The game has left its mark on the share markets as well. The stock values of Niantic Inc and Nintendo, which holds a third of Niantic, shot up 50% after the release of the game.

7. The USP of Pokemon Go lies in an excellent experience of real as well as the virtual world, it gives to the users. It allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokemon, who appear on device screens as though in the real world. It makes use of GPS and time settings of the device to make the Pokemon move along the game's map as the user travels in the real world. The Pokemon avatars vary according to the location. For example, one will encounter insect-like Pokemon near grass fields and water-friendly Pokemon are found near water sources.

8. The players are required to reach the place where the Pokemon is to catch it. It makes it necessary for the users to visit locations where such Pokemon are likely to be found. Many players have reported encountering unexplored places and events in the pursuit of points in the game. While others have faced unexpected and dangerous situations.

Also read - Pokemon Go gets people out and about, and that's a good thing

9. The whole world of smartphone users seem mad about knowing more about the game. The Wiki page related to the game has already become the most read page in Wikipedia with over 58 lakh hits as on 15 July.

However, experts are worried about the side effects of the game. The game can only be played while the users are on the move, thus increasing the risk of accidents. Recent scientific studies show the time spent on the game by the users is increasing, leading to complications like muscle strain and enhanced stress factor.