The Worst Real World Dangers of Playing Pokémon Go

As Pokémon Go mania continues to sweep the planet, the new mobile game is nothing but a bit of fun, right? If anything, the chance to play games outside must be healthy exercise in the fresh air.

But be warned! While Pokémon Go is a lot of fun and has its benefits, there are also plenty of things that can go wrong while you’re playing.

Since the games launch, stories have continued to flood in about unfortunate players who have landed in awkward and dangerous situations as they played.

Danger can befall you on your quest to be the best Pokemaster – here are the worst potential dangers awaiting you...

1 – Injuries

It didn’t take long after Pokémon Go’s release for reports to come in about players falling, tripping and slipping as they spent their time engrossed in their phones instead of paying attention to what’s going on around them. The games tracking system encourages users to look down at their phones often to see where the Pokémon are, this makes it so easy to stare at their phone while walking instead of the path ahead! If you’re planning to explore the world around you, be sure to tread carefully and watch your step.

2 – Crime

It is a sad reality that Pokémon Go is much more dangerous in some neighbourhoods than others. Many people live in neighbourhoods where it is not safe to wander around in the street with a cell phone in hand because of muggings. There have been stories about armed robberies at Pokestops where a lure module was used to pull in victims. Playing with a group of friends is recommended rather than wandering around alone. Players need to stay safe when our Pokehunting, even for players who think they live in a safe area.

3 – Job Loss

To avoid the dangers of the outside world the game can still be played inside, right? Well, even indoors, it is important to be careful about how and when you play. A number of Pokémon Go-related firings (or near-firings) have already been reported around the world. Most employees who care about their work first will keep Pokémon Go limited to their lunch breaks, but if it eats into their time at work, they’re going to face an unhappy boss or co-workers!  

4 – Car Crashes

One of the biggest disasters waiting to happen is playing Pokémon Go and driving a vehicle. Yes, driving while playing is incredibly convenient, but at the same time it isn’t really in the spirit of the game. Warnings have already been issued about how foolish and dangerous it is to have the game open while driving – it only takes a moment to cause a fatal car accident!

5 – Viruses

Pokémon Go isn’t available around the entire world, well at least not officially. Some players have discovered that the game can be installed by downloading the game’s APK from various hosts online, allowing a lot of people to gain access to the game. The problem with this is that not all APKs are legitimate – plenty Trojan viruses exist hidden among certain versions of the game waiting for players to install them!

6 – Over Exertion

Pokémon Go is a great way to get players to live a more active lifestyle. That said, players who aren’t used to a large amount of exercise should be careful not to overdue things. While getting sore legs is hardly life-threatening, and getting players off the couch is definitely going to have positive long-term benefits, players shouldn’t leave themselves exhausted miles away from home.

7 – Trespassing

Stores, restaurants and other establishments around the world have seen an increase in visitors who aren’t actually looking to buy anything. As Pokemania continues to spread, many storeowners will become annoyed with players blocking entrances or scaring away potential business. However, not all places are even open to the public – many players have been climbing over fences and sneaking onto private property to get their hands on rare creatures. It’s only a matter of time before these silly behaviour ends badly.

Even though Pokémon Go has a lot of amazing qualities, the game is not without its risks. While sore feet and a phone virus might not be all that scary, the game can lead to disaster and tragedy unless players are careful where and how they play.

Stay safe out there trainers, keep your heads up, and catch ‘em all without risking your life!

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