Note: I do not work for Niantic or Nintendo. This is just a blog post talking about how I would handle designing an event in Pokemon Go.
Would You Like to Join the Hunt?
Pokemon Go is the biggest thing since Pokemon. It is crazy to see hordes of people walking around from Pokestop to Pokestop in search of the lovable monsters.
Pokemon Go
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Pokemon Go is the biggest thing since Pokemon. It is crazy to see hordes of people walking around from Pokestop to Pokestop in search of the lovable monsters.
Augmented Reality Games have always interested, but there hasn't be an Augmented Reality game that has not only had a player base this big, but been this close to my core as a gamer. When I was walking around the park one night with some friends, I saw a grown man proclaim to all the strangers around him that he had found a Pinsir. My friends checked their phones frantically, but there was no Pinsir in sight. |
Here we all are, at a public park walking around looking for a Pinsir. I thought to myself, "Why don't we just visit the Safari Zone?" And it hit me, With a game like this we can do just that, we can have an alternate reality event where players visit the Safari Zone!
What is the Safari Zone?
The Safari Zone in the Pokemon games is sort of like a Pokemon Nature preserve. Players pay a small fee so they may enter this preserve and attempt to catch the Pokemon inside. The safari zone is home to many rare pokemon that are not found anywhere else.
Upon entering, players are given Safari balls and a time limit. They are allowed to catch as many pokemon they can before the time runs out or before they run out of Pokeballs.
Upon entering, players are given Safari balls and a time limit. They are allowed to catch as many pokemon they can before the time runs out or before they run out of Pokeballs.
Event Rules (In the real world)
One weekend every month, large public spaces (Parks, Zoos, Theme Parks etc) will become Safari Zones. In order for a player to have access to the Pokemon in the Safari Zone, they will have to have a ticket. Without the ticket, players will encounter the usual Pokemon at that location. With their ticket the activated, Pokemon from the Gen 1 Kanto Safari Zone will be lured to the player as they travel through the designated Zone.
How can a player obtain a ticket?
A mock up of what the tickets may look like.
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Players will be able to obtain a ticket in a few ways. Tickets will be rare drops from Pokestops as well as available in the shop. 200 coins per ticket.
Before you say that 200 coins is too much, the ticket does grant the player access to rare Pokemon, 30 safari balls, 5 Razz Berries, as well as possible bonus items when using a Pokestop. Note: The Safari balls and razzberries will be given to the player once the ticket is activated. The ticket can only be activated during the special event weekend. |
Any unused tickets will still be valid for the following month's event. Tickets never expire and can be gifted to your friends and family.
What Pokemon are in the Zone?
The player will encounter a variety of Pokemon in the safari zone. The most sought after being the rare Pokemon (Dratini, Pinsir, Chansey etc).
What would make an ideal Safari Zone?
A while back I visited the San Francisco Zoo, it was one of the first places I thought would be ideal for a real life Safari Zoo. It is broken up into zones that replicate the habitats of the various animals from around the world.
If a player is looking for a rare bug Pokemon such as Pinsir, they need to explore the Insect Zoo in the exploration zone. If they are looking for a Kangaskhan, it would be an obvious choice to check our the Kangaroos at the Australian Walkabout.
If a player is looking for a rare bug Pokemon such as Pinsir, they need to explore the Insect Zoo in the exploration zone. If they are looking for a Kangaskhan, it would be an obvious choice to check our the Kangaroos at the Australian Walkabout.
The Zoo has already done the work of building the enclosures and landmarks that will become Pokestops. All we have to do is add the Pokemon. I also think this design would encourage people to visit the Zoo and gain an appreciation for the real life animals Pokemon are often based off.
If you're thinking "This is a bad idea!" and "Zoos wouldn't like these kinds of events!", check out the Pokemon Go week at the Los Angeles Zoo. Businesses and locations are welcoming these kinds of events! More people visiting means more sales. Tickets, refreshments and merchandise. I wouldn't be surprised if The Zoo started selling Pokemon branded merchandise alongside their own.
If you're thinking "This is a bad idea!" and "Zoos wouldn't like these kinds of events!", check out the Pokemon Go week at the Los Angeles Zoo. Businesses and locations are welcoming these kinds of events! More people visiting means more sales. Tickets, refreshments and merchandise. I wouldn't be surprised if The Zoo started selling Pokemon branded merchandise alongside their own.
Event Exclusive Pokemon
#132 - Blobby Hill.
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Certain Pokemon could be made event exclusive. A pokemon such as ditto could be classified as Ultra Rare and the only way to find him it so go to your local Safari Zone Event.
These pokemon can be rotated out and updated as the game is updated. For example, one month the exclusive Pokemon is ditto, and the next it could be a Farfetc'd or Mr. Mime. |
Collect Event Stickers For Rewards!
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For attending the Safari Zone weekend events, players can be awarded with exclusive badges, stickers and medals.
It may also be an interesting idea for rewarding players for participating. For example, if a player were to get a single sticker, they may get 5 free pokeballs. If they collect 5 stickers they may receive 30 pokeballs for free! If the player were to get 10 stickers, they may be awarded the Safari Medal and 30 safari and Pokeballs. Players that manage to capture a Gym during one of the event weekend may be awarded a special "Warden of The Safari Zone" medal. |
Safari Zone Sticker.
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Did You Get A Good Haul?
The Safari Zone event is a fun way to strengthen an already strong community. It is also a preview of how we can bring ideas and events from the games into the real world. The Safari Zone isn't the only idea from the original Pokemon games that would be possible.
What do you think? Do you think an ongoing monthly event has some potential? Do you think it still needs some work? Whatever your opinion is, feel free to leave a comment or tweet me directly. Thanks for reading!
What do you think? Do you think an ongoing monthly event has some potential? Do you think it still needs some work? Whatever your opinion is, feel free to leave a comment or tweet me directly. Thanks for reading!
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