In Clovis, California, Pokémon GO players gather not just to capture creatures but to forge friendships, helping combat feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Ociris Gaona and Anna Olea host meetups that welcome diverse players, demonstrating how the game promotes social interaction. Since its inception in June 2024, the meetups have attracted hundreds, highlighting that Pokémon GO serves as a social outlet, especially for introverted players. The game facilitates exercise and camaraderie, proving to be effective in bringing people together across different skill levels.
"A lot of people who usually tend to keep to themselves, they see other people with similar interests that they have and they start to open up and start to talk."
"The game has helped me a lot; it's hard for me to make friends without overthinking it. The game has put me out there a lot more."
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