Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a mobile game and feeling absolutely zero regrets. That’s exactly what Ryan O’Hara has done with Pokémon GO—and he wouldn’t change a thing. Nearly a decade after the game’s release, this 31-year-old from Wollongong, Australia, remains as obsessed as ever. But here’s where it gets fascinating: Pokémon GO isn’t just a game for Ryan—it’s a lifestyle that’s shaped his life in ways he never imagined.
Since its launch on July 6, 2016, Pokémon GO has been more than just a global phenomenon; it’s been a cultural force. The augmented reality game, which lets players catch Pokémon in the real world, sparked chaos in its early days. Australians flooded streets, parks, and playgrounds, drawn like magnets to Pokéstops—those location-based landmarks offering in-game rewards. Picture this: groups of players huddled in the dark, screens glowing, as they battled and caught Pokémon late into the night. Ryan recalls one memorable moment when a police car U-turned to approach his group during a raid. ‘We thought we were in trouble,’ he said, ‘but they just wanted to know if they could join!’ And this is the part most people miss: Pokémon GO wasn’t just a game—it was a community builder.
While many players dropped off after the initial hype, Ryan stayed committed. Over the past decade, he’s walked over 23,500 kilometers—roughly the equivalent of walking from Sydney to Perth and back three times—and caught nearly 200,000 Pokémon. He’s attended countless meetups, become an admin for the Illawarra region, and even traveled interstate for competitive tournaments. Oh, and did we mention he met his wife through the game? ‘It’s not an exaggeration to say Pokémon GO changed the course of my life,’ Ryan told nine.com.au. ‘I’ve gone from a 22-year-old single guy to a 31-year-old father and husband, and this game has been with me through it all.’
But let’s address the elephant in the room: the in-game microtransactions. Ryan admits he’s spent a few hundred dollars a month at his peak, though he’s also earned money as a Pokémon GO streamer and through tournaments. ‘I used to spend my disposable income at the pub,’ he said. ‘Now I spend significantly less on the game and get outside, stay active.’ Is it controversial to say this game might be a healthier hobby than some alternatives? We’ll let you decide.
Ryan isn’t alone in his dedication. Take Mitch, a 29-year-old from Sydney, who rediscovered the game during the COVID-19 lockdowns. After initially losing interest, he returned in 2022 as a way to pass time while walking his dogs. Since then, he’s caught over 6,500 Pokémon, walked nearly 250 kilometers, and convinced his friends to join. ‘They’ve all become obsessed,’ Mitch said. ‘Now I spend hours strategizing raid days and teaching them the best techniques.’ This Wednesday, he even worked from home to participate in virtual raids during his lunch break. For Mitch, Pokémon GO is more than a game—it’s a way to stay connected with friends, both near and far, and a healthier alternative to endless social media scrolling.
So, here’s the big question: Is Pokémon GO just a game, or is it something more? For Ryan, Mitch, and countless others, it’s a community, a lifestyle, and a source of joy that’s stood the test of time. But what do you think? Is it worth the time and money, or is it just another passing fad? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
