For many, an evening at Canalside means taking in a free Pilates class or catching up on some reading, but for the Marchiano family -- it means searching for Pokémon.
“It was my idea,” Steve Marchiano told 7 Eyewitness News. “It’s been all over the internet so I figured I’d give it a shot. The kids love Pokémon and we figured it’s a nice night to come down and try it out.”
And this Kenmore family isn’t alone.
The free game “Pokémon Go,” which currently sits at the top of the download charts, was released less than a week ago and has sent people just about everywhere looking for the exotic creatures from the Japanese game.
The game uses the GPS technology on user’s smartphones to lead users to the landmarks, landmarks like Canalside.
“I have no idea how the game works but it seems fun enough and a good way to get some exercise.”
And Monday night, everywhere you turned folks were on the prowl. Eyes glued to their phones, occasionally looking up hoping to nab good one.
“Actually I drove by a cemetery to come home there were probably 30 people gathered around one of the statues there playing because it’s an objective point,” Blaine Campbell told 7 Eyewitness News.
laine Campbell says he’s made a living out of his childhood passion of card games like Pokémon. He now works for Dave and Adams Card World. Campbell says he doesn’t see the trend slowing down anytime soon.
CNN Money is even reporting that Nintendo shares have jumped more than 25 percent since last Friday.
And although some crimes have been linked to the game, including a robbery in Missouri where gamers were lured to an isolated area with the promise of Pokémon and gems, users looking for the creatures at the waterfront say they're having fun.
