The Poké Phenomenon
Software such as Pokémon GO enhances the world we live in. This game generates digital creatures from the old Pokémon game we grew up with, but now they are out in the virtual world. When you’re close enough, the screen will change and the fictional creature is shown in your surroundings. The placement hasn’t been perfected by any means, but as you can see, the results often are impressive.
How it has Changed the Market
This game has people walking around town in an effort to catch fictional critters. That much is understood, but how is it affecting businesses? The GO players, called trainers, can visit specific real-world locations to stock up on digital supplies. Parks, statues, museums, and post offices are some examples of places that are drawing people on the hunt for Pokémon. Trainers can collect these goods every few minutes and come in droves to do so. Nintendo has announced plans to allow businesses to sponsor locations and, in turn, see waves of new customers. A simple hashtag letting the world know your business is a Poké Stop can be advertising gold.
Consumer response to Pokémon GO has been tremendous. The mixture of technology and reality certainly is here to stay, and companies are clambering to create their own ways to exploit the advancement. Augmented reality has the capability to mobilize people like never before and to expose audiences to places they may not have the opportunity to visit in the real world.
VR vs. AR For the Future of Marketing
Virtual reality (VR) is another force that’s changing our world. Whereas AR integrates with the environment, VR replaces it. It’s the most immersive type of technological experience. Businesses are snagging opportunities to use it. Coca Cola, for example, set up a “sleigh ride” that took users through a fantasy landscape. As users move and turn their heads, the scenery shifts and responds to give the impression that they’re truly in another world.
What once was restricted to large and costly setups is becoming increasingly mobile. Modern smartphones such as the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6S Plus are powerful enough to offer the experience to just about anyone. Companies such as Freefly VR manufacture headsets to fit these devices, and more and more businesses are building apps that will drop users into a digital environment.
Preparing for the Future
The true potential of AR and VR has not yet been realized. If you consider it another online tool, it can become another strategic weapon in your arsenal, though we are at early states. Avoid the temptation to consider this just a kid’s game. It’s important to remember how powerful this software can be. It’s turned a 90s fad into the most successful mobile game ever created in less than one month. It is anyone’s guess how far this technology will go.
If you’ve got marketing questions, don’t hesitate to consult the experts. At Bloominari, Advertising and strategies are what we do. We’re don’t know what the future holds for AR and VR, but you can bet that we’re excited about it.
