Pokemon Go 'legitimate reason to get out of the house' Toronto gamer says

Pokemon Go has taken over the city. At any hour, in any part of the city, hundreds of gamers and casual players are walking with their phones in hand, trying to catch 'em all.

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Among them is JP Casino. A self-proclaimed computer nerd, Casino says he immediately took to the game, downloadingthe U.S. version before it was released in Canada, and launching the Pokemon Go Toronto Facebookpage.

CBC's Metro Morning followed him around downtown Toronto as he tracked the animated creatures, asking him some questions along the way.

Where has the game taken you?

The farthest it's taken me is Pickering. There's the idea that certain Pokemon live in certain geographies and I've wanted to bump up on my electrical Pokemonso I figured let's take a trip out to Pickering close to the power station.

What attracts you to the game?

There is a fair bit of nostalgia for me. I was in high school when Pokemon first came out in 1996. I love technology as well so it's a good marriage between mygeekdom and my love of technology.

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Are there health benefits to the game?

I've been meaning to get to the gym for years. But I've lost 10pounds in the last two weeks because I've probablywalked over 50, 60 kilometres. I've biked for hours and hours.

It's given people alegitimatereason to get out of the house, get exercise and interact with other human beings in the real world which is something that no video game has been able to do so far.

Some businesses say loiteringPokemon Go playersaren't welcome. How do you respond?

They're missing a great opportunity. For as many business owners that are upset about the game, there are just as many that are trying to find a way to leverage it.

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Do you think the game's novelty will wear off?

I give it two or three months for the main buzz to die off. But it's so easy for Nianticand Nintendo to keep adding content. Their ability to add new features and new characters is unlimited.

Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.