"Pokémon Go" has successfully taken over the planet. Although it is technically available only in selected territories, the game has kept fan eager for the release in their locality and has revived their love for the decades-old franchise.
As people go around in an attempt to "catch 'em all," "Pokémon Go" has also brought people together - loyal fans and new converts alike. This shared love for Pokémon paved way for the creation of several dating apps centering on the virtual-reality game.
One of the more popular dating apps attached to the game is "PokéMatch," as it operates in the same manner as Tinder - you swipe right on people you want to date. Unlike Tinder, "PokéMatch" asks users to select from Team Valor, Instinct, Mystic or any of these teams to narrow down their searches. And just like other dating apps, it features a messaging service. To qualify, users must have a desire to play "Pokémon Go" with their dates.
For now, "PokéMatch" doesn't integrate with the maps on "Pokémon Go," but developers aren't closing any doors as to that possibility. The next update for the app, however, is a friend-matcher, in case players are just looking for hunting buddies and not romantic relationships.
According to Tech Crunch, "Pokémon Go" has had over 10,000 matches all over 15 countries in the first four days of its launch. "We're seeing insane growth. Something I've never seen before is happening to us, and it is feeling kind of surreal," co-creator Pim de Witte stated.
"PokéMatch" is a brainchild of de Witte, Rene Roosen and Troy Osinoff. Forbes reported that the idea came out when one of de Witte's friends wanted to find a date but also wanted to hunt for Pokémon.
The goal of "PokéMatch" is to open opportunities for meaningful dates grounded on the mutual love for Pokémon. Given the sky-high number of downloads "Pokémon Go" is getting, the dating apps will cash in plenty.
"Pokémon Go" has received praise from the public for encouraging people to go out and get some fresh air and exercise. Even outside Pokémon-themed dating sites, people found love and made lasting friendships while trying to catch rare Pokémon in the streets.