NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A video game app called Atlas Earth is gaining in popularity, and this game gives players a real-world experience in a virtual realm where players buy squares of land, including right here in New Orleans. "Atlas Earth is an experience that is happening all around you, all the time in the real world," said Atlas Earth Co-Founder Sami Khan. New Orleans’ ‘Super Witch’ ice cream bewitchingly sells out in seconds every week Khan is originally from New Orleans, so he understands why players love to play here. "I opened up the game on Bourbon Street and thousands of people have bought up Bourbon Street. There is no piece of land on Bourbon Street that is still available on the app," he said. So, how does it work? "The best way to describe it is that it is a mixture of traditional Monopoly and Pokémon Go. Players can buy virtual squares of land that are right under their feet. When they buy this virtual land, then they become owners of it. For example, if you buy up the most land in New Orleans then you can become the Mayor of New Orleans," Khan said. It even pays to play. "You can have fun and make money on the side, but we don't promise you'll get rich. When we make money, we give some of that back to the players. So, it's almost a symbiotic relationship," he said. Watch WGNO’s Kenny Lopez ride ‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ at Walt Disney World He feels New Orleans is the perfect place for this virtual reality relationship. "We plan on bringing it to the global level. Inevitably, this will be positive for the tourism industry in New Orleans," he said. In 2025, a new landmark feature will be added to the game. So, for example, you can buy places like Jackson Square. According to Khan, 600,000 players play Atlas Earth every month. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Study: Louisianians less financially stressed than Texans, Arkansans Have you seen him? St. Landry Parish officials seek help locating escaped inmate Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12 and NCAA to seek NIL compensation from football career 2 decades ago Rare 'liger' rescued from abandoned home near US border U.S. college student found dead after hike on South Africa's Table Mountain