For many people, Pokémon GO is simply a mobile phone game. But for one Plymouth resident, it has become a way of bringing people together, supporting local businesses, encouraging healthier lifestyles and helping combat loneliness.
Tyler Rogers is the official Pokémon GO Community Ambassador for Plymouth, a voluntary role recognising local leaders who organise safe, welcoming events for players in their communities.
Since taking on the role, Tyler has helped grow the Plymouth Pokémon GO community into a friendly and inclusive group that welcomes people of all ages and experience levels. Whether someone has been playing since the game launched in 2016 or is downloading the app for the very first time, everyone is invited to join.
Pokémon GO uses GPS technology to encourage players to explore the real world while catching virtual Pokémon, collecting items from landmarks known as PokéStops and taking part in group activities such as Raid Battles. Instead of staying indoors, players are encouraged to walk around parks, city streets and public spaces, discovering places they may never have visited before.
For Tyler, however, the real success of the game isn’t found on a phone screen.
“It’s about the people,” he says.
The Plymouth Pokémon GO group regularly organises free community meetups throughout the week, with walks taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Members meet in locations across Plymouth to play together, chat, explore the city and often finish with a visit to a local café, helping support independent businesses along the way.
The events are designed to be relaxed and welcoming, giving new players the confidence to join while allowing long-standing members to catch up with friends.
As an official Community Ambassador, Tyler’s role includes organising local events, welcoming newcomers, sharing information about upcoming Pokémon GO activities and helping create a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for everyone taking part.
The position is entirely voluntary and is driven by a passion for building a positive community. Community Ambassadors also act as a link between local players and the game’s organisers, sharing feedback and helping promote official events.
Beyond the game itself, the Plymouth group has developed into a genuine community. Throughout the year members organise charity fundraisers, food bank collections and family-friendly events, using Pokémon GO as a reason to bring people together while giving something back to the city.
Many members say joining the group has improved their mental wellbeing, encouraged them to become more active and helped them make lasting friendships. Others travel from surrounding towns to attend the regular meet ups because of the welcoming atmosphere the group has built.
In an age where much of life is spent online, the Plymouth Pokémon GO community offers something different: a chance to meet people face-to-face, explore the city on foot and enjoy a shared hobby in a supportive environment.
For Tyler Rogers, that’s what being a Community Ambassador is really about.
“It’s not just about catching Pokémon. It’s about creating friendships, helping people feel included, supporting the local community and giving people a reason to get outdoors and enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer.”
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post