If you live in an apartment or are a college student – or even get out of the house at all – you’ve likely played or observed the world’s latest tech sensation: Pokémon Go.
Based on the anime/game franchise that had been popular since the late 1990s, this smartphone app iteration places the little Pokémon (short for “pocket monsters”) at numerous locations throughout a neighborhood. People walking around with the app on come across the Charmanders, Squirtles, Pikachus and others, and can catch and train them like real-life Ash Ketchums.
Some locations are designated Pokémon stops or gyms.
Apartments and student housing facilities can be prime locations for individual Pokémon, and even PokéStops and gyms. And the renter – or property manager – can create a fun evening by using their home property as place for friends to catch the little creatures.
Here are some ideas:
- Have a “catch-‘em-all party.”
Provide beer and some burgers and hot dogs, and invite your friends and neighbors to catch the Pokémon around your place. Make sure there’s a PokéStop and/or a gym at your site and devise a point system. The winner gets bragging rights over the entire group.
- “Lure” new friends.
The Pokémon Go app allows people and businesses to purchase “lures,” which unleash a gaggle of Pokémon in a certain area for a set period of time. If you can get your landlord to cooperate, advertise where and when the cute little creatures will be available, and watch people flock in. Property owners can have refreshments available and place signage to advertise their specials, etc.
But be careful. This could attract people who may not have good intentions. There have been reports of thieves and robbers stalking Pokémon hotbeds waiting for victims whose concentration is on their phones.
- Have a Pokémon gym competition.
If there’s a Pokémon gym at your place, encourage your neighbors to come in and battle each other for control of the gym. This can be done in a tournament format. See who the real masters are.
- Student housing party.
Assuming Pokémon Go is still “a thing” in mid- to late August when students return to college for the fall semester, get your roommates and building mates together and challenge other residence halls/student housing properties. See which location can catch the next Pokémon and enjoy getting to know your fellow students.
- Design your signature “Pokémon.”
Though it wouldn’t be part of the actual game, start a contest in which you and your neighbors design Pokémon-like creatures that would make good mascots for you or your building. Try to entice the property manager to display the entries in the community center/clubhouse, and even to give a nice-sized gift card to the winner.
Whatever you do, make sure it doesn’t spill out into the street. There have already been accidents caused by Pokémon chasers not paying attention to their surroundings.
The whole point of Pokémon Go is to get out and about. Why not get to know your neighbors while you’re doing it by organizing some fun Pokémon-related events where you live.
And catch ‘em all.
