This summer, I decided to download the Pokémon GO app on my smartphone to see if anything had changed in the game. I thought it might be fun to see if the game was still as popular today as it was when it first came out in 2016. I was also curious to see what I could find in the game while out visiting cemeteries.
Pokémon GO, the augmented reality game based on the popular kids cartoon, launched in early July 2016. The free-to-play mobile game quickly took off with kids, and adults, taking to the streets to try and catch’em all.
Using GPS and Google Maps the game points out local landmarks near you and encourages users to go outside, be active, and explore. Using the phone’s camera and augmented reality, the game makes it possible to see Pokémon within whatever background you point your camera at. Adding to the experience, the type of Pokémon you can find depends on the time of day, weather, and the landscape. You will more likely find water-type Pokémon near lakes and rivers, plant types in parks or forests, and ghost types in—you guessed it—cemeteries.
Pokémon GO screenshot
Controversy
Along with many Pokémon to catch, the game also features Poké Stops and Poké Gyms. Players, or trainers as they are called in the game, can visit these locations to stock up on free in-game items to aid in their Pokémon collecting or to strengthen their Pokémon.
These virtual locations are found at the sites of real-world landmarks; like murals, historic plaques, and memorials. This created some controversy from the beginning, as players who were keen to catch stronger and rarer Pokémon began getting themselves into some trouble.
There were many reports of some folks accidentally getting locked in cemeteries after hours, and large mobs of players congregating loudly in cemeteries, among other things. Some cemeteries and historic sites, such as the Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery have banned Pokémon GO on their grounds. Other cemeteries have followed suit, contacting Niantic, the makers of the game, to remove the Poké Stops and gyms from their grounds. Others have also placed warning signs, making it clear that playing on the grounds is not allowed.
Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery, Oakville ON ©2024
Pokémon GO was a fairly divisive topic when it was first released. Some argued that the game could be beneficial, bringing more people into cemeteries and historic places, and encouraging people to learn more about their surroundings and history. It was also argued that playing Pokémon GO in cemeteries allowed players to explore and talk about their feelings regarding death.
On the other hand, people argued that it was disrespectful and not proper behavior for a cemetery. The large gatherings were deemed to be disruptive, and those who ignored their surroundings were potentially causing damage or possible injury.
I believe these are all valid points. Cemeteries are the precursors to today’s public parks and were once the place to go for a picnic or a meandering walk in nature. I often say that cemeteries are for the living and should be visited and enjoyed.
Of course, it can’t be forgotten that these are also places of mourning and remembrance and should be treated as such. I have spoken before about cemetery etiquette and how you should always be respectful of your surroundings.
Are Gamers still Haunting Cemetery Grounds?
So are gamers still haunting cemetery grounds to catch elusive Pokémon? In my experience, no.
In the 100 cemeteries I visited this Spring and Summer, I was the only one who was trying to catch’em all. I don’t usually bring my smartphone with me on cemetery walks unless I am working on creating video content for Instagram. Otherwise, I only have my trusty DLSR with me. I did try to make a point to have my phone with me this Summer, specifically to play Pokémon GO. I was not always successful at remembering though. Though I did try, it never became a huge part of my time in the cemetery. I would open the app, catch one or two Pokémon, and then put it away to focus the rest of my time on photographing the gravestones.
I did make some observations though while scanning the game. Smaller cemeteries usually didn’t have any Poké Stops, but some of the larger cemeteries did. Larger cemeteries often have multiple meandering walking paths that would be suitable for walking routes. Routes are a new feature in the game, that was introduced in 2023. These routes are just small walking trails that vary in length. The idea is to encourage players to be active by offering free items on completion of the route.
The Poké Stops I came across were located at large commemorative memorials, or the entrance of a cemetery. I didn’t find any that were connected to individual memorials.
Civic Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2024, Pokémon GO screenshots
Although it was a fun experiment, Pokémon GO will not become a regular part of my cemetery visits. I already have a long list of things I look for when visiting cemeteries. I found myself being more drawn to the game when I was traveling, especially when traveling by train. It was a fun distraction to pass the time.
I do think Pokémon GO could be a fun activity to encourage people to get more interested in history and the story of their community. As long as it’s done respectfully of course.
What do you think? Do you still play, or do you think you may download the app. I would love to read your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle 