Interesting to read about the Pokemon GO spike this year. I redownloaded the app for the first time in ~3 years mostly due to the fact that I got Pokemon GO Eevee for the Switch and wanted to take advantage of the integration. But turns out it's a pretty good COVID-19 activity: go on a walk, get some exercise, don't have to interact with anyone face-to-face, plus there's a PokeStop within range of my apartment so I can check in throughout the day.
I didn't think about the Switch integration at all! That could definitely have something to do with it. I also think there's probably some merit to your point about built in "breaks" during shelter-in-place orders. You'd think there would be a ceiling to how much enjoyment that brings though, given that most folks aren't venturing too far outside of the same few blocks/areas.
In my mind, I still see Pokemon Go as some kind of inherently social experience. During its height of "popularity" back in the summer of 2016, I remember people flocking together in droves to play, so it was surprising to me to hear otherwise.
Interesting to read about the Pokemon GO spike this year. I redownloaded the app for the first time in ~3 years mostly due to the fact that I got Pokemon GO Eevee for the Switch and wanted to take advantage of the integration. But turns out it's a pretty good COVID-19 activity: go on a walk, get some exercise, don't have to interact with anyone face-to-face, plus there's a PokeStop within range of my apartment so I can check in throughout the day.
I didn't think about the Switch integration at all! That could definitely have something to do with it. I also think there's probably some merit to your point about built in "breaks" during shelter-in-place orders. You'd think there would be a ceiling to how much enjoyment that brings though, given that most folks aren't venturing too far outside of the same few blocks/areas.
In my mind, I still see Pokemon Go as some kind of inherently social experience. During its height of "popularity" back in the summer of 2016, I remember people flocking together in droves to play, so it was surprising to me to hear otherwise.