In spite of Niantic making sweeping changes to its games, including Pokemon GO, players still like to get out of their homes to play. Even if it means breaking the law and coronavirus lockdowns, like one man in southern England was pulled over for.
Traditionally, Pokemon GO is a game all about getting out the house, going for walks, and meeting up with others for raids and gym battles. However, with the coronavirus cancelling many events and forcing many players into their homes for extended periods of time, Pokemon GO has had to update the way its games are played to make it easier to raid from home and more. The UK has a ban on non-essential travel in many locations, and Pokemon GO doesn't count as essential.
The official Twitter account of the Stevenge Police Force, who were the officers that pulled the man over, tweeted this message to all southern Englanders who are still into the game: “The driver explained he was in the area playing #PokemonGO. Pokemon GO is NOT essential travel and has been directed home under the new legislation.”
While much of Pokemon GO still requires people to be out and about to play, the players numbers and revenue for the Niantic mobile sensation have jumped up during the coronavirus pandemic. Apparently, this one man in southern England really wanted to go out and catch 'em all, even if it meant breaking the law.
With the advent of Pokemon GO at-home raid battles and the other changes Niantic is making to make PoGO more home-friendly, it seems like this guy was really out of line. However, it's kind of hard to blame him. Being cooped up inside for days, weeks, or possibly months isn't easy for anyone. It's hard to blame him for wanting to get out of the house and find some pocket monsters to play with.
It still is kind of astounding that someone would break the law for Pokemon. If anyone out there is still asking the question "Can Pokemon GO survive social distancing?" the answer seems to be an absolute and overwhelming "yes."
Source: FoxNews