Sticking to its tagline Gotta Catch ‘Em All, the augmented reality–infused game app sets the goal for you—catch all the 151 creatures as you travel around the world and trap, battle and, train virtual creatures, just like Ash Ketchum does in the original TV series.

A striking feature of Pokémon Go is its lack of introduction to all its mechanics and mysteries—does the refusal to reveal the basic rules make it all the more appealing? Apart from being obviously addictive, Pokémon Go has brought about a sense of community. It has ushered in a welcome motivation for people who would never wish to leave the comfort of their homes and interact with strangers.

Right since the advent of smartphones, people are concerned about how staring at our screens has made us sedentary, but Pokémon Go puts all the smartphone addiction complaints to rest. Getting better at the game is next to impossible minus any moving around and quite simply; all that walking is good for you. Studies indicate that sitting is the new smoking with prolonged sedentary time being associated with multiple health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and more. Pokémon Go encourages you to walk more and cover significant distances to hatch the Pokémon eggs you collect as well as discover new virtual characters, which is a fun way to get some exercise. To advance further in the game, players or ‘trainers’ have to walk around to catch Pokémon and access specific locations called Pokestops where trainers can collect Pokeballs, eggs, and other useful items. According to a study at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, many players have admitted to getting fitter with the game because it motivated them to get off their couches and walk around their neighborhoods—something many couldn’t achieve even with their FitBits!

Pokémon Go has inspired ‘trainers’ from a variety of age groups to connect over the game which provides opportunities for social interaction, thus fostering a sense of belonging. With the era of technology and wireless payments shunning most forms of live communication, Pokémon Go has proven to be an effective ice-breaker. Social anxiety, depression, and many phobias cripple both the young and the old, making them feel out of place in a group. Pokémon Go helps players to meet like-minded people, which can ease the anxiety of talking to strangers. We are now living in an unpredictable time with violence and division constantly in the news; and though chasing imaginary creatures might sound silly, it is important to connect with people around us for a good cause.

Pokémon Go has taken over our phones and seeped into workplaces as well. Everyone knows all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy—taking short breaks at work is good for you. Breaks prevent burnout, refresh your mood, and give you time to think over your tasks and refocus when you’re back, which ultimately improves productivity. A quick peek into your News Feed or scrolling through tweets on your smartphone can eat up your time. The best part of Pokémon Go is that you can take a mini break, catch a creature or two, and get back to your work refreshed. What sets Pokémon Go apart from other fitness apps and gadgets is the distraction it offers. It doesn’t put the user under any stress to count their steps or track their daily meals, which can be quite a daunting task to many. This exergame app pulls you out of your comfort zone and as a result, it becomes an example of community gaming at its finest.

Pokémon Go is no doubt played by many across the globe, but not really loved by all as questions have been raised over the adverse effects of playing the game. Though the health-meets-gaming app has been lauded for its benefits, several countries are stepping up to warn their citizens about excessive playing. After its release in July, various leading dailies in the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand have reported users getting into terrible car crashes, dealing with robberies, falling off cliffs, and even stumbling across dead bodies. Engrossed players fail to pay attention to activities that require focus—be it driving, studying, cooking, or working. Turkey’s Health Ministry has advised its users against playing the game in broad daylight because exposure to the sun can be hazardous. Washington Post recently reported that a bunch of players in O’Fallon, Missouri, misused Pokestops to lure players and rob them at gunpoint. Apparently, by adding beacons at a particular stop, it can attract more players especially at odd hours of the night. Though the robbers were arrested, here is a lesson for all: be careful when you Pokémon at day or night! This doesn’t mean that you delete the game off your phones immediately. Pokémon Go is a brilliant game that breaks the limitations set by gender, race, and age. Just like all the good things in life—'everything in moderation, moderation in everything' should be the motto.