Say No To Pokemon Go: Playing! Killing!
Posted on 08.16.16 by Admin
Released with mixed reviews, Pokémon Go the location-based free-to-play reality game is taking over the world. Developed by Niantic for iOS and android devices, this game was initially released in selected countries in July 2016. Downloaded by 100+ million people universally, this game has rapidly became a global phenomenon and was one of the most used mobile apps.
Some are praising the game’s concept, while some are criticizing the frequent technical issues. But there is more that has taken the game into controversial phase. Reason being the dedication of playing.
Pokemon Go players were so distracted by the game that the craze resulted in several incidents and traffic accidents globally. It has also become a public nuisance at some locations.
Like for instance, in Melbourne there is a 22-year-old woman who was killed by a hit-and-run driver just because she was crossing and playing the game simultaneously. Another darker side to the craze is that a man fell off an ocean bluff in Southern California, while playing hence suffered enough injuries. And due to these reasons, even governments of different nations, expressed concerns over the game’s security and consequences.
No wonder! Pokemon Go mobile game has the world on its feet, but at the same time, the trend is also spelling danger to many players. Though not to mention, the game was credited with popularizing location-based and augmented reality gaming, as well as for encouraging physical activities.
Those who are unaware, in Pokemon Go, gamers use a mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on screen as if they were in the same real-world location as a player. In addition to this, the game also supports in-app purchases for additional in-game items.
There are some facts that says:
- Online conversation volume surrounding the Pokémon brand rose 2,897 percent in June.
- Between June and July there was a ‘massive shift in the demographic profile of people talking about the Pokémon franchise.’
- Prior to the launch, folks talking about the brand online were steadily male (80%) and teenagers (40%)
- 4 % says they have been pulled over by police while playing
- 44% of trainers says that they visited a historical landmark for the first time because of this game
- 35 % said they have never played Pokémon before
- 18 % says trainers were embarrassed to tell their friends that they play
- 22 % are embarrassed to tell their family
- 38 % are embarrassed to tell their boss
- 21 % trainers would rather play Pokémon Go than have sex
- Up to 85 % of trainers have played while driving a car