The world has gone mad for Pokémon Go and Myanmar, where the virtual reality game launched earlier this month, is no different. Players attempting to catch ’em all are converging on parks and landmarks, recreating scenes from Europe and the US, where it started back in July.
But part of what makes the game so addictive is the localization. Given the focus on working the game into real-life journeys, no player’s experience will be the same. And, already, it’s become apparent that there are some pretty unique things about playing in Yangon.
Here’s a few of them. (Not including the landmark that keeps spawning Bulbasaurs and Squirtles. We’re keeping that one to ourselves…)
1. Watch where you’re walking.
You’ve seen them, the smartphone zombies who walk with their heads down, glued to the screen, as they toss Poke balls desperately towards an Onyx. Don’t be like them. Unlike the lucky souls playing in London or New York or…. anywhere the pavements are actually paved, we have a few obstacles to contend with when roaming the city in search of the elusive Pikachus and Clefairies.
Like falling into a sewer or slipping on the broken, mildewed pavements.
Photo: Coconuts Yangon
And, er, electrocution.
Photo: Jen Leung / Flickr
2. Not all Pokestops are fair game.
A Mandalay monastery recently put up a sign asking Pokemon Go players to be respectful. Photo: Yang Naung Bo
When places for Pokestops and Pokemon Gyms, Niantic, the firm behind Pokemon Go, opted for landmarks, often religious in nature. Given the diversity of faiths in this city, home to Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Muslims as well as the Buddhist majority, most of the Pokestops are religious sites. That hasn’t gone down so well in some places. A pagoda in Mandalay recently put up a sign asking players to stop disturbing prayer sessions, while another told loitering users to disperse via loudspeaker.
3. You’ll see a ton of Goldeen, but not too many Geodudes.
These and the damn Pidgeys. Photo: Alpha / Flickr
Whether it’s the monsoon, or the preponderance of lakes (er, two), we’ve found plenty of aquatic types in town. Fire and rock types, meanwhile, which are thought to be more common in arid climates, are few and far between. That’s bad news for fans of Growlithe or anyone who chose Charmander as their starter Pokemon.
4. It’s a bit of a boy’s club.
While there are certainly lots of female players in town, elements of the Pokemon hunting culture that has developed here have a distinctly male flavor to them. Mahabandoola Park has become a Mecca for fans, post-work. But after the sun goes down, many of the ladies tend to head home. Given Myanmar’s socially conservative culture, it’s still not that common for women to hang out at night. And, sadly, it’s pretty much a worldwide truth that standing in a park while female can bring out all the creeps.
5. For once, traffic is awesome.
Even got time for a Spearow in a traffic jam. Photo: Beth / Flickr
Insane traffic holdups mean you have a legit excuse for being late to work AND can catch that Jigglypuff AND hatch some eggs on the way. (Only recommended when you are a passenger. Don’t Poke and drive.)
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