How Pokemon Go could affect your money 

Pokemon

If you’re unfamiliar with the Pokemon franchise, it’s widely regarded as one of the biggest video game franchises, a series worth billions that is the brainchild of designer Satoshi Tajiri and concept artist Ken Sugimori.

Tajiri’s company, Game Freak, was responsible for the original games on the Nintendo Game Boy, and it has since expanded beyond Nintendo consoles. The newest offering comes by way of Niantic, Inc. – a subsidiary of Google – and is the augmented reality game that’s been sweeping the world off its feet: Pokemon Go.

In the short time since its release, the game has sent Nintendo’s stock soaring – a cool $18 billion as of July 22nd, in fact. While the rise may be ready to plunge because of a statement that the company expects that the game’s profits won’t have much by way of financial impact, the fact is that there are other ways that Pokemon Go could affect your money.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY MONEY?

There have been reports in other countries of businesses and other less-traveled locations gaining more foot traffic thanks to the game. Most of these places have embraced the phenomenon (and the business it brings) by putting up fairly creative signs that not only advertise their business but also the fact that it happens to be a Gym or Pokestop.

The photoshopped image above is an example of what a business probably shouldn’t do in case of increased foot traffic.

With regards to a player’s money, the base app itself costs nothing to download. It does, however, have in-app purchases. The game’s virtual currency, Pokecoins, can cost you a minimum of Php 47 for 100 Pokecoins, to a maximum of Php 4,700 for 14,500 Pokecoins. These can be used to purchase more Pokeballs, Egg Incubators, Incense, Lure Modules, and upgrades for your Backpack and PokeStorage.

These purchases aren’t immediately necessary and depend ultimately on the player’s preferences.

SPENDING AND SAVING

There is a physical component to Pokemon Go, and an emphasis on needing to travel to different locations in order to capture other Pokemon types. You might end up spending a lot more on travel, or saving up in order to travel. The money you spend on cabs, buses, trains, and flights (for the region-exclusives) to catch ‘em all will be a part of your experience if you really get into the game.

Think of it like a different sort of vacation. Tauros (USA), Farfetch’d (Asia), Mr. Mime (EU), and Kangaskhan (AUS/NZ) are the four region-exclusive Pokemon, and although they can be found by opening Lucky Eggs, the game presents a different sort of travel goal. That’s three different countries you can visit, go to catch Pokemon, and meet other players.

There is also the possibility of Sponsored Locations, according to Niantic’s CEO, John Hanke. Imagine having Pokemon Go sponsored shopping or travel trips, and discounts on items related to the shop hosting the location.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While there isn’t an official release in the Philippines just yet, imagine the possibilities. The game is widely considered to be more than just a nostalgia trip, with most people reporting that it’s been a fun social experience for them. People with anxiety, PTSD and depression have also credited the game with helping them deal with things better.

It also represents a different way that people could save money to treat themselves to travel both inside and outside the country.

By Miggy Castaneda of MoneyMax.ph

Source: Manila Bulletin – How Pokemon Go could affect your money

 

One Response to How Pokemon Go could affect your money

  1. Haroun Kola

    I’l glad that this game doesn’t interest me. But it seems like a fun diversion for other people. What a phenomenon though.

     

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