Introduction: PokemonGo CHEAT
The how-to starts on step #1, feel free to skip this.
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Let me lay out the reason that I wanted to look at PokemonGo through a GPS simulation. I was thinking that because of the use of real world data (GOOGLE MAPS/Ingress) and ascribing game values to social amenity I.E. parks/museums/fire stations etc. The same social economic inequality that we experience in real life might be reflected in game play. Simply put, I suspect that the better off monetarily you are in real life the better you will do in PokemonGO. Furthermore, the complexity of contemporary game design should not be underestimated. While reading the user agreement there is a section labeled "Trading". This section implies that the game platform will allow for trading of "virtual goods" in game. This affirms the thought that the game is designed to generate its own economic system in game, while emulating real world social economic trends. The trading clause specifically talks about trading "real world" goods and services in exchange for "virtual good"s and services as a violation of service. It seems that making a strong separation between virtual and real world economics has been considered to the finest detail when maximizing profitability.
There is another project that I just ran across while putting this together called POKEMAP. It is a cool utility that allows players to see game assets on a map in real time on their computer.This app should help clarify some of the questions posed above.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
I have been working on some projects for a while that called for GPS tracking to be integrated. So I already had the utilities to simulate GPS routes in Xcode. (Links to those utilities are at the bottom of the page.) I took some extra time to put together a little utility that makes creating routes easier for novices, rather than dealing with installing ruby or with python scrips in the terminal, as that could be a little off-putting to some.
I apologize that this only works for people with i-phones and a computer running some form of OSX. Android users have lots of tools available to them- hit google up. If you have a i-phone but no apple computer consider Hackintosh or buddy up with some one with a mac.
*I will be updating this in the next day or so with full video walk-throughs.
Be aware that you are breaking the terms of service if you do this and open Pokemon GO.
Physical stuff:
iPhone
iPhone ---> USB cable.
A computer running some version of mac OSX.
Accounts:
G-mail address: I suggest you use a new account for this.
Apple developer account: Just get the free one.
https://developer.apple.com/support/compare-memberships/
Software:
Xcode:
https://developer.apple.com/xcode/downloads/
.KML 2 route sim:
https://github.com/MikeBeradino/KML2routesim_OSXstandlone
Java (8):
Step 2: Step One: Create a Route
Select a place that you would like to go.
Go to My MAPS & log in.
1--In the upper Left corner is list icon.
2-- Select YOUR PLACES
3-- Select MAPS
4-- Select CREATE MAP (at the bottom)
5-- Select where you would like your route. I am using the google campus in Venice.
--- Insert your first point ( Point 1)
--- Insert your second point (Point 2)
6. Select the Add directions icon under the text field; it looks like a Y.
7. In the left hand Menu Select walking symbol.
8. Fill in the text fields
--- Type Point 1 in the text field labelled A
--- Type Point 2 in the text field labelled B
9. You can now drag the blue route line around to modify your walking path.
10. In the left hand Menu on the top, select the three dots in a row icon.
11. Select export as KML.
12. Check the box for "Export to a .KML file instead of .KMZ (does not include custom icons)." .kmz files are zipped .kml files.
Download and save to file somewhere.
Step 3: Convert Your KML File to a File That Xcode Can Use.
https://github.com/MikeBeradino/KML2routesim_OSXstandlone
Clone or download -->Download ZIP--> save/unzip/open
*If you get a error when opening the app , Check you settings:
System preferences ---> Security&Privacy ---> General--> Allow apps downloaded from: ANYWHERE
Unfortunately your .KML file won't work with Xcode without some formatting. Lucky I wrote a little utility that will convert your kml to a format that will work with Xcode. I was using it to simulate GPS for some apps I was working on, but also found a use for it in the Poke Universe.
Usage is straight forward, it is Java, so make sure you have Java (8) installed on your computer. If not there is a link above under tools to the install page.
I am speculating that there may be some speed limits in game. So settings around 11KM/h works pretty well as a fast walking pace. The upper and lower limits of the slider are a little buggy.
When you run the route in Xcode it will loop and "transport" you from the end of your route back to the beginning. This may prove to be problematic so I included a loop option.
Step 4: Xcode and Iphone
If you don't know your IOS on your phone look it up.
--- on your iphone Utilities ----> settings ---> General ---->About --->version
--- plug your iphone in via the USB cable
---- Open up Xcode.
---- select Create a new Xcode project
---- select Single View Application (under iOS --> Application)
---- click NEXT
---- fill out the next page with the required fields name / Org / ID
---- click NEXT
---- click New folder and give the folder a name
---- then click Create
---- now under identity next to TEAM --->Add Account ----> put in your apple ID that you set up earlier
---- at the top click the box next to the Stop button ---> Select your iPhone
---- under the Deployment Info section Under Deployment target select the IOS that maches your iPhone (lower is better than over)
----Make sure your iPhone 'trusts' the Developer App Certificate by going to Settings > General > Device Management > and clicking 'trust' on your iPhone
---- Click the PLAY symbol button at the top left
---- if you get a singing error click fix issue
---- You should now see a white screen on your phone.
---- Click the home button on your phone to exit the white screen. (the one physical button)
---- You should notice your app on the phone
---- At the bottom of Xcode you will now see a tool bar with at GPS icon
---- Click the GPS icon
---- Select ADD GPX file to Project
---- Add the GPX file you made earlier
---- Check
Destination: --- Copy items if needed
Added folders: --- Create folder references
Add to targets: ---make sure the top one is checked.
---- Click FINISH
---- Click on the GPS icon
----Select your file under GPS
---- Now open up your Map app on your phone(you should see your location change and your route will be running)
---- If you want to pause the route in Xcode on the tool bar at the BOTTOM (not the top) select the pause button.
---- When you are done select the stop button at the top.
Step 5: The Google Campus at Venice
It looks like the augmented experience mirrors real life! Far better opportunity at the Google Campus than in the 3rd ward of Houston Texas.
Step 6: Other Resources:
While I was pulling this together I also found lot of other cool stuff and all of it is free! Most of it is on github and open to explore.
This is a great project with lots of contributors! It is a live visualization of the PokeMo Go assets on a map. Looks like it is python.
https://jz6.github.io/PoGoMap/#
Here is another converter that will convert a .GPX ---> .GPX with specific speed. You need RUBY to run it.
https://github.com/appscape/gips
GPS BABBLE is another super cool tool! It is the definitive GPS file converter. I could not quite figure out how to get files output into Xcode as a route with an appropriate speed emulation through. I am sure it is a fault on my part.
Xcode/GPS utility looks nice! I used it a little and it seems promising, I did not generate a .plist file and the ReadMe said that the route sim only works with IOS 7.
