About two years ago the gaming world was enraptured by theTwitch Plays Pokémon phenomenon. It started out simply enough, with a Twitch chat controlling a full game of Pokémon Red, but eventually things grew and grew until rules needed to be put in place. Eventually, though, the Twitch chat hadrun through every major Pokémon gameand the social-experiment-turned-media-frenzy had to be put to rest.
However, with the recent launch ofPokémon GO, a new Twitch Plays opportunity has been found, and of course there is already a livestream to watch and participate in. It was only a matter of time before Twitch PlaysPokémon GObecame a thing; with the only surprise being how much time it took for a legitimate option to show up.
Those curious to see how Twitch PlaysPokémon GOworks can check it out on theTwitch page, but be aware that this isn’t as legitimate as it might seem. First and foremost, the Twitch Plays Pokémon GO creators are not actually walking around and completing the actions as directed by the Twitch chat. Instead the smartphone is using GPS spoofing software to mimic real world travel, thereby trickingPokémon GOinto thinking the virtual player is moving around.
Everything outside of the GPS spoofing, though, is legitimate, including Pokémon appearances, catch attempts, and “movement” through New York City. The fact that the Twitch chat is able to catch any Pokémon is impressive, but we will see how things go.
Interestingly enough there are already other Twitch streamers who have found other unique ways to stream theirPokémon GOexperience. Some have resigned to staying within their Twitch broadcasting “booth” and simply waiting for Pokémon to appear, while others have been proactive. Some have even taken things to unexpected extremes, likeTwitch streamer Reckful, who attached a Go Pro to his head and is wandering around playing Pokémon GO live.
Clearly, with the advent ofnew streaming technologyand software, someone streamingPokémon GOis actually possible, and that’s where the eyes are gravitating right now. Sure, Twitch PlaysPokémon GOhas its appeals, but it’s also not really of the same Twitch Plays spirit. There is a clear distinction betweenTwitch successfully beating a boss inDark Soulsand the chat moving through a GPS spoofed environment.
Pokémon GOis just the latest phenomenon to take the gaming world by storm, and thus far it doesn’t seem to be letting up. Gamers (and even non-gamers) are engaging with the mobile title on unprecedented levels, to the point that the game has alreadymade $14 million in less than a week. In other words, look for more weird spin-offs like Twitch PlaysPokémon GOin the near future.
