The 1990s computer game Pokémon (pocket monster) is back, but this time it’s in the real world and it could cause mayhem for motorcycle riders as distracted walkers step out in front of them.
Already there are reports of people blindly walking out on the road causing accidents while following their phone to catch Pokémon characters.
This could be the one rare occasion where loud pipes really could actually save lives!
Thankfully the game, which uses your smartphone GPS, will not work if you are travelling faster than walking pace, so drivers won’t be able to use it.
However, distracted pedestrians can be just as much of a road hazard, particularly around schools, parks and shopping centres where most of these Pokémon characters are located.
For those who don’t know how it works, the new Pokémon game doesn’t use a portable Nintendo. It’s now called Pokémon Go and it is a free download on any Apple or Android phone.
Pokemon characters can even surface when you are being booked!It launched on July 6 and has already surpassed the use of Facebook, adding $US7.5 billion to Nintendo’s value.
In the original game, players caught monsters on the screen. This time the pocket monsters are in the real world via your phone’s camera.
So players wander around trying to find the characters and catch them. And they can be located anywhere!
Nintendo will make its money by players buying items to lure the characters to various locations. It is presumed shops will do this to lure customers, so be particularly cautious around shops.
It will make even more money when its Pokémon Go Plus launches soon at $34.99 each. It’s a Bluetooth device that allows the player to play without looking at their phone.
When they are near a character, it will vibrate and they can press a button to catch it and then check what they’ve got later on their phone.
Perhaps that will make the game a little safer for riders.