Pokémon Go players have been interacting with OpenStreetMap contributors for quite some time now.
Pokémon Go, the wildly popular mobile game that took the world by storm in 2016, continues to captivate millions of players worldwide and generate significant revenue.
One of the key elements that keeps the game engaging is the regular introduction of new Pokémon. Since its launch with the original 151 creatures, Pokémon Go has steadily incorporated Pokémon from subsequent generations, including those from the latest Switch games. Currently, the game is integrating monsters from the Scarlet and Violet series, which has led to an interesting development.
Two recent additions to the Pokémon Go lineup, Wiglett and Wugtrio, are inspired by Diglett and Dugtrio and are classified as beach-dwelling Pokémon. In the game, Pokémon habitats are determined by real-world biomes such as forests, mountains, and beaches. Given their aquatic nature, Wiglett and Wugtrio are found in the beach biome.
However, this poses a challenge for players located far from coastal regions who wish to catch these new Pokémon. Reports indicate that some players have resorted to editing OpenStreetMap to include fake beaches in their vicinity, thereby increasing their chances of encountering beach biome Pokémon in Pokémon Go. Although the game initially relied on Google Maps data, it appears to have switched to OpenStreetMap in 2017.
This isn’t the first time Pokémon Go enthusiasts have caused frustration for OpenStreetMap contributors. Numerous resources have been created to educate players about the purpose of OpenStreetMap data and clarify Pokémon Go mechanics for OSM contributors. It’s important to note that altering map data may not yield the desired results in the game, and it could potentially disrupt map accuracy.
Despite the challenges posed by some Pokémon Go players, not all newcomers to OpenStreetMap engage in disruptive behavior. Some users, after discovering the project through Pokémon Go, become valuable contributors who enhance the map by providing accurate information and updating areas where data is lacking.
