Pokemon Go continues strong presence in Gainesville

Ken Humphlett has already caught 71 of the 80 new Pokemon. On Feb. 16, Pokemon Go, a geo- caching app in which users collect digital creatures, otherwise known as Pokemon, rolled out its most significant update since its release in July. In addition to new Pokemon, the update features a number of new gameplay options such as interaction with the Pokemon themselves and customization options. Humphlett, 50, a Gainesville resident, said he plays the game with his five kids about three times each week.

“We were so excited that we went out and stayed out for four hours,” Humphlett said.

The smartphone app was developed by Niantic, Inc. The game uses GPS and your phone’s camera to produce an augmented reality.

The game includes catching and hatching Pokemon, leveling up your character — also called a trainer — and battling in gyms, according to archives.

Humphlett said he started playing the game when it was released after one of his sons recommended it.

“It’s a great family activity,” he said. “That’s the neat part of the game. You can go out and do that and explore new areas.”

While the game was massively popular when it was first released, the trend has died down.

But people like Humphlett and Tillissa Barcia have seen recent surges since the new update.

Barcia, an administrator on the “Pokemon Go: Gainesville” Facebook page, said the app has brought out many people who quit playing the game during the lull period.

The Gainesville community has largely continued to play despite the lag, she said. The Facebook page, which has 736 members, has grown consistently since the game’s release. Some players, like Humphlett, stayed because they were up to the challenge.

“At times it’s frustrating,” Humphlett said, “but because I’m a constant player, sometimes you’ve just got to grind and catch all the junk just to level up.”

There’s more to the game than just the new characters, Barcia said. She suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and said the game has encouraged her to get out more and helped her embrace the fun of the app.

“Just being able to get out and have fun and discover nature trails and go take my kids to the park and have family time is very important,” Barcia said.