Pokémon Go put Augmented Reality gaming on the map. Using AR achieved the fantasy of bringing these iconic creatures to life. Since its launch in 2016, it's made various updates to push the immersion further. Here’s a list of ways that realism could be expanded still.
Directions
Pokémon Go uses Google Maps to get a read of the player's surroundings. That can feel ironic when a player in transit has to switch between the Go app and the Google Maps app for directions. How could directions be implemented? It could be as straightforward as pulling in an address. Or, it could be an opportunity to add customization. Perhaps it’s only possible with a Psychic type Pokémon capable of ‘foreseeing’ the right path, or a Flying type capable of getting a (Deli)bird’s eye view.
Appetite
Buddy Pokémon are those that a player chooses to be the companion that walks along with them. By feeding it enough Berries, ‘Hearts’ can be earned as a way of signifying the building bond. Each Pokémon is only capable of eating 3 Berries at a time, and can only earn another Heart by having their appetites filled from empty to full again. This presents as a healthy statement against overeating. And yet, that suggestion is deteriorated when considering why Pokémon of all sizes have the same appetite. This inconsistent illusion of appetite could be triaged if each Pokémon species had a predetermined max appetite. While it might seem that some species would be at a disadvantage of earning less Hearts because they’d take longer to need Berries again, these same Pokémon could have a faster metabolism. Or, it could be that all Pokémon still only require 3 Berries to earn a heart, anything past that is not necessary.
Play
Another method of earning Hearts is through Play. The Play Heart is earned by viewing the Buddy in AR Mode, then rubbing its belly. This can only be done once per day. While the affection is endearing, petting some of the more aggressive designs can feel counterintuitive. Or, if the Pokémon is particularly shy in concept, maybe it just doesn't want to be touched right away. Play could be expanded by pulling from Pokémon Sword / Shield’s Camp feature. By using the Poké Toy, Pokémon can swat at it for their enjoyment. It also feels like warming up for battle. As all Pokémon already have attack animations in the game, this wouldn’t require adding in new reactions. Furthermore, seeing how Buddies barely move on their own in AR Mode, this would bring them to life much more authentically.
Sleep
While an update to Play would be a way for active Pokémon to express themselves, introducing Sleep could serve as an expression for the passive. The function could again be through AR Mode, done by placing a pillow of some kind for a Buddy to rest on. Given the economy of healing items in-game, Sleep could be a Pokémon’s chance to restore HP overnight. It could also present the opportunity for parental controls to dictate their child’s bedtime.
Crafting
While it might seem that Legends Arceus was the franchise’s introduction to Crafting items, it’s existed since Berry Blending in Generation 3. It also exists in Pokémon Go through Mysterious Components. Components are collected by defeating Rocket Grunts, and 6 of them can be used to create Rocket Radar. If players had the option to formulate healing items or Pokéballs, their experiences could be customized through specialties. Taking a page from both Arceus and Generation 3, Berries could be blended into healing items of varying potency. This mechanic could be a financial boon to the game. If a player wants to create the most powerful healing item, the Max Revive, they would have to use a lot of berries. By having to hoard Berries, players would be incentivized to purchase more Bag space to accommodate them, as Berries are currently the first thing to get thrown out when a Bag is at capacity. This concept could be combined with each of the aforementioned suggestions, such as Directions requiring a built Compass, or Sleep only optional with the proper Pillow materials.
While many players can think of features they’d love Pokémon Go to have, they are often quality of life improvements. While those are deserved, oftentimes their requests are counter to the profit incentives of the game. These suggestions, however, are built around embellishing illusions, contributing to profit, and customizing interactions.
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