Join us at The Chilliwack Progress as we take our readers on a thoughtful trip down memory lane. Our Top Stories will recap the most significant news events, milestones and emerging themes that have shaped Chilliwack in 2016. It was undeniably a notable year, from an unprecedented spike in homelessness, to major development news, to the community revealing its keen interest in crime and politics, and a most caring heart.
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If a fad is something that comes and goes quickly, then Pokemon Go earned the title with ease in 2016.
This summer the streets of Chilliwack were flooded with players of this phone app/video game, based on the popular card game from the 1990s. It was an instant hit with gamers from back in the day, and new players alike.
Hordes of players literally roamed the streets, converging in places like Salish Park, the downtown clock tower, and Central Community Park. They were looking at GPS-style maps of the city, chasing down digital monsters that were visible on their phone screens.
People were greeting each other by asking if they were playing, which seemed like a great way to meet new people and grow community spirit. But there were also downsides. People were caught driving while playing, and stopping vehicles to catch Pokemon. Others were showing up at areas that deserved more respect, such as in cemeteries and hospitals.
And as they say, all good things must come to an end. And pretty soon it was a case of Pokemon Gone. But the drop in popularity of one game does not mean the end to gaming.
And Nathan Verde, owner of Chilliwack’s Bastion Games, says he’s seeing a surge in non-classic board games. With the Christmas gift buying season just ending, he says, they are becoming more and more popular.
“The amount of families that came in together to pick a board game or two before and after Christmas was fantastic,” he says. “Nothing beats sitting down face to face with some friends or family and having some fun.”