'Pokemon Go' has heightening awareness of the history and geography of players. (Representational Photo)
PROVIDENCE, R.I:
Historical markers have long dotted the landscape, often barely noticed by passers by until they became treasure-filled stops this month on the "Pokemon Go" trail.
Game players hunting for creatures on their smartphone screens are now visiting real life memorial plaques, statues, mosaics and landmarks around the world.
Some don't bother to linger at these Pokestops, staying only long enough to stock up on the virtual balls they'll use to bonk and capture the next Pokemon. But for others, the "augmented reality" game is heightening awareness of the history and geography of their neighborhoods.
Google is the parent of game maker Niantic Labs. It signed an agreement five years ago with a volunteer run website called The Historical Markers Database that has mapped more than 80,000 historical locations, many of which are now used as Pokestops.
Game players hunting for creatures on their smartphone screens are now visiting real life memorial plaques, statues, mosaics and landmarks around the world.
Some don't bother to linger at these Pokestops, staying only long enough to stock up on the virtual balls they'll use to bonk and capture the next Pokemon. But for others, the "augmented reality" game is heightening awareness of the history and geography of their neighborhoods.
Google is the parent of game maker Niantic Labs. It signed an agreement five years ago with a volunteer run website called The Historical Markers Database that has mapped more than 80,000 historical locations, many of which are now used as Pokestops.
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