This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

Pokémon GO might not be the same cultural phenomenon it was when it first arrived in 2016. but it still has a huge dedicated fanbase who play the game regularly. There’s plenty of reasons for that. It’s certainly become a much more streamlined and robust experience since those buggy early days, but it also offers players a great way to keep fit and meet likeminded people.

Niantic have shared a video on their YouTube channel that showcases both those aspects of the game. The short film reveals how Pokémon GO fan Tommy not only lost 10 stone just from walking around catching Pokémon and hatching eggs, but also made some lifelong friendships through the Pokémon GO community he joined.

It’s a really heartwarming story, following Tommy’s journey from feeling what he describes as ‘unhappy and alone’, to being an active member of a Pokémon GO group, in much better shape, and much happier in himself.

You can watch the video below. Keep up the great work Tommy!

Source: YouTube