Real World Gaming and how the game Ingress Is Bringing Gamers Together

A meetup of about 100 people recently happened in Austin, Texas, where players of the mobile app game Ingress met up in order to do battle with each other. Sides were taken as the group all fought amongst themselves in order to take the objective that was located at the park they met at. People from across the globe have met up in these different locations in order to participate, and in doing so have not only learned about the location, but the people around it. As another beneficial side-effect, the game has even caused people to lose weight because of the amount of traveling it requires. This was intended by John Hanke, creator of Ingress, as he says that it helps to bring people together and involve others in their normally technology-consumed lives.

You know, even though I usually deplore mobile games, I have to say it's a good idea. There are PLENTY of zombie survival mobile games that kind of get the idea of moving about in order to progress, but none that really need you to interact with your surroundings, much less other people. I can say I'm guilty of not getting out nearly as much as I should, and this is a good avenue for it, and if there's one thing I can appreciate, it's a game with a great community. I wish Ingress all the best, and hopefully it keeps up the popularity.

Get some sunshine in your life. Just... Don't walk under any giant magnifying glasses.