98-404 Student Taught Courses (StuCo) Pokémon GO Gaming in Public Spaces
3 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Welcome to Pokémon GO: Gaming in Public Spaces! Even ten years after the 2016 craze, Pokémon GO remains one of the most-played mobile games, with an active community in Oakland and Squirrel Hill. This course will teach you the fundamentals of how to play, connect you with other players, and give you tools to engage more deeply with the game. If you don’t have an account, you’ll learn how to create one and navigate the interface, which can be confusing for new players. You’ll catch your first Pokémon, strengthen your team, and learn both main battle systems: Gyms and Trainer Battles. Later in the course, we’ll explore higher-level topics to help you improve your gameplay, understand AR’s role in daily life, and evaluate Pokémon through appraisal and optimization strategies. You’ll also learn where to find more players in Pittsburgh and beyond. Classes will be taught mostly through weekly lectures with live demonstrations and examples to explain core mechanics. Grades will be based on participation, short writing assignments to reflect on your progress, and in-game milestones that match course content. Pokémon GO is more than a game—it uses augmented reality to change how you interact with your environment. You’ll come to understand Pittsburgh’s geography in new ways, meet people outside CMU, and explore how statistical and computational systems shape gameplay. The course highlights the intersection of nature, technology, and culture, helping you see why Pokémon GO continues to influence cities, transportation, and community-building. All students are welcome. Those familiar with Pokémon may know some of the early material, but the course is designed to ensure that everyone has an equally positive and engaging experience.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Fall 2026
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