Its creators say the goal is to teach players of all ages about the Catholic faith.

"Follow JC Go" was developed by Florida-based Fundación Ramón Pané for World Youth Day 2019, which will take place in Panama in January.

So how does it work?

As with Pokemon Go, the game uses the player's smartphone camera to take in their surroundings, then superimposes digital characters.

Players progress through the game by answering religious quiz questions when they "meet" a saint.

This may involve attributing a quote from the Bible, for instance.

As an example, Moses might ask the player, "Was it I who said: 'My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?'"

If the player answers correctly, the character will join their e-team (or Evangelisation Team).

Elements of prayer are also included in the game: players must eat, drink and pray to level-up their characters and contribute to their in-game health. The game also encourages players to go into church whenever they pass one.

Although the Vatican isn't directly connected to the game, Pope Francis is reportedly a fan.

"You know, Francis is not a very technological person, but he was in awe, he understood the idea, what we were trying to do: combine technology with evangelisation," says Ricardo Grzona, executive director of Fundación Ramón Pané.

Although the new game was launched in Spanish last week, Italian, English and Portuguese versions are expected in the coming weeks.

Source

• The Verge
• BBC
• Image: Crux Now

A Catholic priest in Tacloban City reminded Pokemon Go fanatics not to forget their faith even as they try to advance their status in the popular game.

Noting that Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban has two Pokestops that draw young people to it, Fr. Ronel Taboso issued a word of caution to players.

"They should use their time and energy productively and not waste their precious time. They should go to church for the right reasons," he said. Continue reading

The trainer's goal is to "catch 'em all," and become a Pokémon master by defeating other trainers.

What is Pokémon GO?
Pokémon GO is a free game available for download on Android and iOS devices. The goal is still for players to "catch them all." The game uses a phone's GPS and clock to decide which Pokémon appear in the game.

Different types appear near parks than by water. Some types only come out at night. Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game — it mixes real-world elements with the game — players have to traverse the real world to catch 'em all. The game is so popular that it has more active users than other popular apps like Snapchat, Instagram and even Twitter.

Why is it so popular?
It was just released (July 6), so it's new and exciting. It's also free. Pokémon has been a popular trading card and video game franchise for over 20 years — which means it has a nostalgia that appeals adults, but is still new enough to appeal to kids, teens, and young adults.

It debuts augmented reality technology in a new and exciting way. Finally, as players encounter each other out in their communities, they are meeting new people, having conversations, and building relationships.

Why should my parish care about a video game?
In the new Pokémon Go game, points, prizes and levels are gained by catching Pokémon and by going to Gyms and PokéStops — tagged locations in the real world where users can stock up on gear and points for the game. These locations — determined by GPS coordinates and Google Maps — are often found at historical landmarks, parks, and memorials. Many of those stops are also located at churches. Many parishes are reporting massive increases in foot traffic around their buildings and on their grounds.

Unlike with other video games, players encounter each other out in their communities — face-to-face. The game is fostering relationship building between parents & children, neighbors and even among strangers. Continue reading

Sources

• Department of New Evangelization, Diocese of Green Bay
• Image: OSV Newsweekly

In common with most inventions, there are positive and negatives about the location-based augmented reality mobile game.

When asked by CathNews for his opinion on the game, Auckland's Bishop Patrick Dunn said "Like most people I see the phenomenon around public spaces of people gathering looking for Pokémon Go characters.

"Clearly there is a positive aspect to getting people gathering and perhaps meeting others through their shared gaming interests.

"There are clear benefits also in getting people moving around outside in the fresh air, and enjoying public spaces together.

"However, I think we would all be concerned if people in this activity unwittingly end up playing the game at in sacred or inappropriate places.

"I fully appreciate why the Auschwitz Memorial has requested it be excluded, which was the site of such suffering during the Second World War and similarly the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.

"I do understand how easy it is to get absorbed in such games but it is always important to keep a sense of perspective with our enjoyment and leisure activities so that we do respect sacred places of special significance."

Following lures set by others to find and "capture" the virtual characters at "PokéStops" can lead gamers to educational sites.

A lot of walking seems necessary and amusement is high. However, gamers need to use their discernment and common sense.

As an example, players this week discovered someone had set up a Whanganui Hells Angels' pad as a PokéStop.

On the international scene the game has drawn concerned comment from religious leaders, as lures have been set up at sacred sites, such as the Auschwitz Memorial.

When asked by CathNews for his opinion on the game, Auckland's Bishop Patrick Dunn said "Like most people I see the phenomenon around public spaces of people gathering looking for Pokémon Go characters.

"Clearly there is a positive aspect to getting people gathering and perhaps meeting others through their shared gaming interests.

"There are clear benefits also in getting people moving around outside in the fresh air, and enjoying public spaces together.

"However, I think we would all be concerned if people in this activity unwittingly end up playing the game at in sacred or inappropriate places.

"I fully appreciate why the Auschwitz Memorial has requested it be excluded, which was the site of such suffering during the Second World War and similarly the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC.

"I do understand how easy it is to get absorbed in such games but it is always important to keep a sense of perspective with our enjoyment and leisure activities so that we do respect sacred places of special significance."

Sources:

• Supplied
• iMore
• NY Times

Image: Pixabay