Controversial ‘Pokestops’ to be removed in next update

Manama : In its next update, the augmented reality game “Pokemon Go” could remove many of its real world locations designated as “Pokestops.” 

This could be a relief for the worshippers since many prominent mosques in Bahrain are currently designated as Pokestops. The game encourages users to visit Pokestops to collect virtual rewards. 

Since the launch of the game many gamers have been visiting mosque premises to collect their in-game rewards. Visiting a place of worship just to play
a game has been generally viewed as disrespectful. 

The Pokemon Company’s consumer Marketing Director J.C. Smith said that the company is fine-tuning the game so that it respects the real world. 

The game developers have promised to remove all Pokestops that are deemed disrespectful or unwanted.

He said, “When something is really popular, we have to figure out the most respectful way to deal with it and make sure that everyone is playing safely and doing things in a respectful manner.

“It’s only been two weeks since it launched, and there’s been so much attention and so many people playing that it’s tough to think of all the ways it could affect the world.”

“For us, we’re making sure the play experience is done right… We’re looking at features in the game and how to fine-tune them so that it’s appealing to the fans. But also respectful of the private institutions that are affected by it,” he added. 

Residents can notify the developers to request removal of the Pokestops through their website www.support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com.