On July 16, Niantic released a new application for iOS and Android devices called Pokemon Go. The app’s basic premise is to download, create an account, and catch Pokemon.
The release of this game was a dream come true for many college-aged students, as the Pokemon television series and playing cards were incredibly popular during their childhood.
The app allows users to customize an avatar that is used as their Pokemon trainer. From there, players can walk, run, or ride in a friends passenger seat and attempt to catch ’em all.
Within one week of its release, the app was trafficking an estimate of 9.5 million users daily. This statistic is for the United States, but the app is also available overseas in countries like Austria, Romania, Ireland, etc.
Following the debut of this interactive masterpiece, sophomore Nick Pagliaro decided to start an organization with the intention of bringing students together in the interest of gaming. The organization is called the Capital Pokemon League.
“The goal of the Capital Pokemon League is to foster a sense of community among people who share similar interests,” Pagliaro said.
While Pokemon Go greatly increased interest in this organization, Pagliaro emphasized that the group aims to focus on Pokemon as a whole, rather than just one of its many formats. Participation in Pokemon Go is not required to join this organization.
“As a person who has grown up with Pokemon, I’ve found it to be a means of connection like no other,” said Pagliaro.
Currently, the organization has 36 members. Of those, twelve hold positions within a league that battles other groups around the city. There are eight Gym Leaders and four members of the Elite Four.
“Anyone with a compatible game can challenge the league and become the champion: a 13th member of the league whose position lasts only as long as they can defeat future challengers.”
Again, there is no obligation to participate in the league. Pokemon enthusiasts of all different kinds are welcome to come play and connect with students through the iconic game.
There is an interest among the group in organizing Pokemon Go outings in the Columbus area. Pagliaro hopes this dream can become reality sooner rather than later.
Meetings are not currently being held, but any further information can be found on their Facebook page, “Capital Pokemon League.” Anyone interested in learning can also email Nick Pagliaro at npagliaro@capital.edu.
