Screenshot of Pokémon Go game.
A smash hit mobile game is prompting local police to remind gamers of the potential dangers involved in using augmented reality apps on cellphones.
Pokémon Go is a free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game released by Niantic Labs and Nintendo which has taken millions of players into the streets on virtual hunts for Pokémon. The game works by using your phone’s camera to superimpose Pokémon creatures into the real world. Players then capture the virtual creatures and can amass a collection and train them to battle Pokémon held by other players.
Social media posts of gamers hurting themselves after walking into poles or falling, quickly began circulating. Even more serious, are reports of two men falling off a bluff in North San Diego County while playing the smartphone game. They survived. In Pennsylvania, a 16-year-old girl is in the hospital after the game took her across a major highway, and she was struck by a car. In Missouri armed robbers used the game’s geolocation feature to lure victims to an isolated trap.
Belleville Police Sergeant Sherri Meeks says gamers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Meeks also warns against trespassing and driving while playing the game as it’s a form of distracted driving which is very dangerous and against the law.
While Pokémon Go is not available in Canada yet, it hasn’t stopped eager gamers like 11-year-old Hayden Anderson from getting his hands on it.
Anderson told Quinte News his favourite Pokémon is Squirtle and he loves the adventure the game provides. He said he is very careful when playing it outdoors adding his parents monitor his use.
Meanwhile, local parent Kerry Patrick who has four sons who are ‘completely obsessed’ with the new phenomenon said she is a bit concerned with the lure feature. However she says she can see how the game has gotten so popular as it gets avid gamers outside with their friends and making new ones along the way.
