{"id":209,"date":"2016-07-17T15:29:47","date_gmt":"2016-07-17T14:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rebeccacurtismoss.co.uk\/?p=209"},"modified":"2020-03-03T22:25:02","modified_gmt":"2020-03-03T22:25:02","slug":"how-scottish-charities-are-using-pokemon-go-to-their-advantage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.rebeccacurtismoss.co.uk\/how-scottish-charities-are-using-pokemon-go-to-their-advantage\/","title":{"rendered":"How Scottish charities are using Pok\u00e9mon Go to their advantage"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the tagline goes, ‘you gotta catch them all’.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Originally, this post was going to be about how Scottish charities are once again setting the bar high by utilising the latest internet craze to hit the UK, Pok\u00e9mon GO. Instead, it’s turned into a chronicle of woefully missed opportunities.<\/p>\n

Firstly, it’s worth explaining what Pok\u00e9mon GO is. Pok\u00e9mon GO is a location-based augmented reality mobile game. Players use their smartphone screens to search for virtual Pok\u00e9mon in public spaces, then capture characters like Charizard, Squirtle and Pikachu. Once players have reached level 5, they pit their Pok\u00e9mon against other players\u2019 collections, winning valuable new characters and claiming virtual turf.<\/p>\n

As I started trawling the internet for good charity newsjacking examples, time and time again, you know what I came across? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Where were the Scottish walking charities? Those dealing with digital inclusion; mental health; physical health; young people; the outdoors; heritage and museums or the arts? Those who rely on income from major walking fundraising events?!<\/p>\n

I came across quite a few Scottish charities that were lucky enough to have Pok\u00e9stops at their venue, but other than a couple of ingenuous charity shops setting up ‘lures’ (to lure Pok\u00e9mon , and therefore players, to that location), and the suggestion of Reddit <\/a>users that Children’s Hospitals should be made into Pok\u00e9mon battlegrounds known as ‘gyms’ (thus helping sick kids play from their beds), I saw very few organisations really make the most out of this.<\/p>\n

In all, I was really surprised as to how few charities have gotten involved.<\/p>\n

I did, however, find a couple of needles in the haystack.<\/p>\n

National Trust for Scotland used the game as an opportunity to promote their properties:
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… As did Glasgow Science Centre:
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… And Edinburgh Zoo. Pokemon in the penguin enclosure!
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Edinburgh Fringe used the app to promote their merchandise:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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… Whilst Euans Guide promoted their excellent #RedCordCard<\/a> campaign.
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Could this caution be down to NSPCC’s statement, urging Nintendo to delay the UK launch of the game<\/a>, due to fears over child safety? Perhaps for other charities dealing with young people, yes. But then again, that’s why Young Scot<\/a> have been issuing tips on Snapchat how to stay safe while trying to catch ’em all.<\/p>\n

So, Scottish charities: grab this new trend by the Pok\u00e9balls!*
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