_ Pokémon Go _ is a global phenomenon, of that there is no doubt. Since the launch of this mobile title in 2016, the possibility of seeing Pikachu, Charmander, Onix and many more pocket creatures in our real world through a cellular screen thanks to increased reality technology, has captivated the public of Any age and from all corners of the world. The Pokemania reached a degree that had not been seen since the launch of red & Blue in 1996, 26 years ago. Although during the pandemic we saw a small brake, little by little the usual order of this experience has been restored. In this way, the Pokémon Go Tour de Monterrey was something that the fans of this title were waiting for, since the global community once again could meet in one place.
During the past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Monterrey, Nuevo León, in order to be part of the events related to the pokémon Go Tour, an event with two venues this year, one in Mexico and another in Singapore. Throughout eight hours, thousands of fanatics around the world gathered in the Fundidora Park to be part of an experience that very few series are capable of realizing. It all started at 10:00 am, although the attendees came to this location from hours before. The objective on this occasion was to complete a series of specific missions that involved areas in particular, as well as the capture of several Pokémon of the first generation.
In total there were five main zones. The first was a labyrinth where you could take a commemorative photo of the event in the company of Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle. A couple of meters after, Professor Willow's area awaited us. Here was a space similar to that of an archaeological discovery, with various types of lands and fossilized Pokémon flags. Followed we came across the value equipment, which, unfortunately, it only presumed an inflatable giant of Moltres, although the metal structures and factories of the Fundidora Park helped a little to save the lack of attention. When walking even more, a lake adorned with glaciers, ice, air sounds and an article noted the arrival in the wisdom team region. Finally, in a field of sunflowers was a solitaire Zapdas, guarding the instinctive team.
Clearly, a failure was noticed at the time of paying attention to each of the areas. While the main journey begins in great shape, with the labyrinth and the archaeological zone, the value team area leaves a lot, but a lot to be desired, although as you mention it, its location within the park saved the situation a bit. Although the domain of the wisdom team did not have a great opportunity for photos, attention to the present detail here was the best of all, and the fact of seeing pieces of false ice in the water and an attempt to transport the attendees to a Cold region, it is something that substantially raises the experience. However, everything finished in a fairly simple way, with only a field of sunflowers that do not have to do much with the instinct team.
Regarding the creation of the event, this was what Alan Mandujan told us, Development Manager for emerging business markets in Niantic:
"We have done social impact events in alliance with NGOs, but have been events such as parks restoration and smaller scale. But this magnitude is the first time it is organized in Mexico and in fact in Latin America with those characteristics.
It is an event that meets the physical with the digital, and the attendees had the opportunity to visit habitats and complete collection challenges. We had part of the inflatables of Articuno, Zap, Moltres, EEVEE. In addition, there were habitats that provide Photo Opportunities, for example, the value equipment had a field of battles stadium; The Mystic team has some icebergs and it is a great photo Opportunity there in the Fundidora Park. The park has all the features we could ask for an event like that, then everything has come out to ask for Boca and the organization has had all the support of the MONTERREY OBC, of the Secretariat of Tourism and we have been very fortunate to have so much Support to make this event ".
Next to this, there were also a couple of attractions. Mainly, an official Pokémon store. This is, for the first time in Mexico, or at least one of the only times this has been possible, thousands of fans had the opportunity to buy a direct merchandise from a Pokémon Center. Although the available selection was not so extensive, with only a t-shirt model and about 20 different stuffed animals, the prices were very accessible, the degree that several people took bags full of these objects.
In the same way, 7eleven, one of the large companies with agreements with Pokémon Go, were present by obsequiting commemorative vessels for all those who were able to fulfill challenges in each of the five main areas. Although the experience was perfect for living, the real objective was to complete the special missions that were only available on February 27. Most of this were quite standard, such as collecting a certain amount of Pokémon, walking a specific distance, etc. However, there were two cases in particular that made use of location. To fulfill the first of these, it was necessary to take photos of a certain type of Pokémon in the areas of each team, which were full of everything you needed, and the second was to beat four extremely difficult NPC.
This is one of the strongest points of pokémon Go. While, on the one hand, we have the competitive and challenging aspect that requires you to complete dozens of missions to get a rare Pokémon, like a Mewtwo Shiny, there is also room for those who just want to capture pocket creatures and not worry about something else. It is not a lie when I say that all kinds of people were playing. Mothers, children, grandparents, friends, cosplayers, professionals, people of Mexico, Japan, United States and other parts of the world gathered in one place. Although one could arrive only at the event, it was quickly accepted by groups that tried to fulfill the missions, which presumed a rare meeting, or who are looking for a rival worthy of all their skills.
Alan, who began his trip through Pokémon by founding Pokémex in 1999, and eventually had an official recognition by The Pokémon Company, to the extent that today he works in Niantic by organizing events all over the world, he told us that a high number was expected of assistants, but to the degree that was seen:
"The truth we did have a very great expectation given all the history that [the game and the community] has. It is an event that for two years we have planned with a campaign called Niantic Live 2020, where the Communities of Monterrey were the most passionate when organizing, in doing Hashtags and even caught the attention of the OCB that culminated in the creation of the event. We have seen the passion of the players in Mexico and in Monterrey and do not amazed that, but anyway we are surprised to see the call that has this event, how people are having fun; It is something that always excites us a lot.
I started making tournaments because I wanted to do events in Mexico and I saw the photos of the events in Japan and the United States and now I see that they are the ones who are seeing these photos and that they want to come to these events and know Mexico Me fills me with pride as Mexican and be part of this community. "
The pandemic made the meeting impossible for two years, but the pokémon Go Tour made it clear that passion never became extinct, even became stronger. With everything and the necessary health measures, this event was a success in all the extent of the word, and it would not be surprising to hear that in a couple of years we see another tour in our country, or even a Pokémon Worlds Championships. In spite of the moment there are no concrete plans, it has been mentioned that there are a number of very interesting plans throughout this year, although these may not involve Mexico:
"Today [February 27] We made our Alola Pokémon announcement of the new generation that will come out from Tuesday. It is something that the players have been very interested, so we are very happy that in the framework of our anniversary this announcement has been carried out.
Pokemon Go is a game that is handled by seasons, then the next season that begins on Tuesday will bring a lot of content and we ask them to stay attentive.
And yes, we are looking for how to interact with players in more rotations. For example, there is a Zone safari that we announced in May, will happen in Spain, a city that has never had an event. Then we are bringing more events to new latitudes so that more players can enjoy them. "
Pokémon Go is, and will remain, one of the best social specials available. Events such as the pokémon Go Tour de Monterrey made it clear that the community is willing to enjoy this game in the company of all stakeholders, create a healthy and safe environment, where the only thing that matters is that you want to catch them all.
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