The wildly popular new game Pokemon Go has swept through the Southeast and is getting players out into the community.

Pokemon Go is a handheld augmented reality game that allows players to use their cell phones to catch virtual creatures known as Pokemon in real life locations all around the community. Within the game, local landmarks such as pocket parks, murals, or statues become Pokestops which players must visit to collect in-game items.

Steinbach City hall has three Pokestops in close proximity making it a hotspot for Pokemon Go Players. Mayor Chris Goertzen says he met a few of these players after a council meeting and it was a positive experience.

A Pokemon Go player tries to catch a Pokemon at A.D. Penner Park

“Talking about how much exercise they are getting because of this game, I think that is great. We, of course, want to encourage people to be safe when they are playing it but certainly, get out and about and come to city hall and see other places around the community.”

Goertzen encourages players to keep exploring the city.

A local player named Ariel says she was first introduced to the Pokemon franchise when the first games came out years ago. She notes the new Pokemon Go game allows players to step into the world they have always enjoyed in previous games.

“It is basically fulfilling a dream, it is like Star Wars wielding a light sabre. It is the one thing that everyone has wanted to do.”

Ariel also notes the game brings people together as they each search Steinbach for Pokemon.