Pokemon Go skyrocketed to popularity this month with millions upon millions of users taking to the streets to explore the world and catch Pokemon using their phones.
Even Jeremy Corbyn took a break from the strife of the Labour leadership to catch up on the Pokemon craze. During an interview for the Sunday Politics, Adam Flemmings taught the Labour leader how to catch Pokemon, and together, the two successfully managed to catch a Krabby, a small crab like Pokemon. Upon success, Corbyn stated, “work this morning has not been in vain.”
The mobile app is free to download and provides an augmented reality in which Pokemon appear in the real world via their phones. So far, it has seen immense praise, with Nintendo’s share prices soaring.
Although not available in all countries, the game has received a positive global response with Pokemon appearing in the unlikeliest of places, including a Pikachu having shown up outside 10 Downing Street prior to Theresa May’s first appearance as Prime Minister.
The game however has met with a few critical concerns too. Worries include predators who may use the game to prey on children and players being at risk of mugging during their travels.
A teenage boy in Bexleyheath was hit by a motorbike whilst crossing the road and playing the game, requiring medical attention. A specialist mine rescue team were even called upon to find a group of teenagers who, whilst playing Pokemon Go, had gotten lost in a cave.
In a bid to catch the creatures, a crowd of players descended upon Leicestershire Police Headquarters, alarming officers and prompting the following warning, “we would like to remind people of the security threat level around public sector buildings and to consider their actions while in the vicinity of such buildings as police premises.”
Niantic and The Pokemon Company, the makers of the app, released a statement saying “we encourage all people to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends or family, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places. Please remember to be safe and alert at all times, don’t drive and play, abide by local laws, and respect the locations you visit and people you meet during your exploration.”
