My experiences with Pokemon Go in Singapore

Photo credit: Daniel Lee/Tech in Asia.

Changing how we play and go about our lives

It has been three days since the release of Pokemon Go here in Singapore. And although the buzz around the game has settled globally, the fact that Singaporeans can now arm themselves with a wad of Pokeballs and catch their favourite Pokemon around the island, Poke-fever is in town.

Pokemon Go has certainly changed the way we game and go about our lives, largely attributing to the fact that these little pocket monsters spawn at random places around the map. Being outside and exploring what’s in the neighbourhood now feels like an adventure. The excitement of finding a rare Pokemon or the massive amount of “lure spots” around town leaves players sending their social media feeds into a Poke-frenzy.

Over the weekend, I’ve encountered the throngs of Pokemon Go players in Orchard Road. Alongside that were the countless retailers bidding for business from players by setting up lure modules (more Pokemon will be attracted/spawned at this particular spot). It was lure frenzy.

My colleague, Lester, who lives in his new BTO flat in the West didn’t have much luck finding any at home.

Just earlier this morning, I noticed that the way I commute has also changed.

I caught an Eevee and a Weedle during the walk to the bus stop. And passing so many Pokestops on the bus ride to work ensured my Pokeball counters were filled. I am pretty sure I’m not the only one wondering if there’s a rare Pokemon at the next turn whenever my phone is in my pocket.

Even at work, my co-workers were catching Arboks and Gastlys, and moaning at the thousands of Pidgeys and Rattatas that appear every 5 mins or so.

Organisations jumping in on the action

Upon release, the local authorities jumped in on the social media blasts and fired safety advisories. Here are some that we’ve found:

What I’m looking out for

Let’s discuss