University of Portsmouth research shows how Pokemon Go is helping during coronavirus outbreak

Professor Lincoln Geraghty from the University of Portsmouth has been examining the impact lockdown measures have had on Pokemon Go, and vice versa.

The game, released in the summer of 2016, had people out and about looking for Pokemon in their cities, looking to catch fan favourites such as Charmander and Bulbasaur.

Now, the communal game has transformed into an indoor activity, helping to encourage people to stay in their homes while lockdown measures are in place.

Professor Geraghty said: ‘Thanks to the global pandemic social media has become an increasingly important platform for sharing tips and exchanging stories about playing the game differently: inside and without the usual social grouping.

‘Popular Pokémon Go YouTubers who have helped to promote the game through their channels since launch have become de facto community leaders around whom players can gather and maintain social contact.

‘My ongoing research on fan communities highlights the ways in which popular culture becomes the glue with which people join together, more so during particularly stressful times.’

Inside the game, barriers and pay walls have been relaxed by developers Niantic to allow players to immerse themselves further into the game.

Players no longer have to walk around to catch Pokemon either.

Professor Geraghty, who has spent his life researching the cultural impact of fandom communities, says memes and humour have been a great coping mechanism for players in isolation – with players making light of the toilet paper shortage last month – but behind that humour is a deep sense of togetherness.

‘Actions like these make the big issues seem more manageable,’ he said.

‘They offer the gaming community a virtual place to gather and feel connected – sharing experiences and not just playing.

‘Continuing to play Pokémon Go and being part of the gaming community during the pandemic has become a way of dealing with social issues like mental health, isolation and coping with stress.’

Pokemon Go is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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