By Michael Dixon, Interactive Media Studies Intern
If you haven’t noticed already, Pokemon GO has been sweeping not only the nation but the entire world. What is Pokemon GO you ask? Why am I writing a blog post on it at the art museum? Well Pokemon GO is a new and rapidly growing mobile app that allows you to catch Pokemon and visit landmarks throughout the real world.
First, to catch the Pokemon, you throw Pokeballs to catch the many different Pokemon. Players also visit Pokestops to experience the location and earn points. More popular landmarks are called Pokemon Gyms where players battle for control of the Gym. Last but certainly not least are places called Pokestops, these are real world locations in the game used to replenish your stock of balls, potions, etc. and reset every 5 minutes to collect from them again. Players can play individually and in teams (after level 5).
Which brings me to why I am writing this post — the Miami University Art Museum (MUAM) Sculpture Park is home to four Pokestops and a Gym, what a perfect place to battle to take control of a Gym as well as replenish your resources while you do it. You can also enjoy all of our amazing sculptures while you are at it! Our exhibitions don’t re-open until August 30 but plan on visiting during your future Pokemon GO adventures. Also try and take that Gym from me, I’ll be in control of it most of the time (Go Team Instinct)!
Pokemon GO is becoming an amazing social experience and is such a great opportunity to interact with some places you wouldn’t normally go to in your everyday life. Take a moment to experience the beautiful sites that are in front of you as you catch that rare Pokemon. We are all embarking on this journey to become the very best, but let’s take some time to appreciate the stops that it takes us to. Talk to fellow trainers, and enjoy the social experience that Pokemon GO is presenting us with!
The MUAM team is a having tons of fun with Pokemon GO, make sure to stay connected with us on Facebook to be informed about upcoming lure events, and other fun competitions. In the meanwhile we are excited to share this in process map of Pokestops and gyms in Oxford for people to use! Get out there and catch them all!
Oxford Ohio Pokestops Google Map
Check out the Art Museum’s Pokestops!
