"Pokémon Go," the sensational augmented reality game that's taking the world by storm, is also proving to be a source of irritant, if not nightmare, for many people.
One of those who feel queasy about the game played on mobile phone is Mark Kilcup, a senior pastor of East Renton Community Church in Renton, Washington state, U.S.A.
Kilcup said he fears something bad could happen as cars have been loitering around the play structure for children behind his church since the popular game debuted last week, KIRO 7 News reports.
On Tuesday morning, the pastor said a pickup truck he didn't recognise parked near the structure. He said he asked the driver what he's doing there, and the driver responded, "We're just playing 'Pokémon.'
"We are concerned about people we don't know that are near our play set because the safety of these children is our No. 1 priority," Kilcup told KIRO 7.
Kilcup said he called the police and the Sheriff's Office to know if there was a way he could prevent the game from being played on church property. The law enforcers told him to address his concern to the Pokémon company. He did, but he was just ignored.
Meanwhile, "Pokémon Go" players continue to show up near his church, and Kilcup is getting worried by the day.
The pastor said the church wants to "opt out" of this "Pokémon Go" game for security reasons, but it seems nobody—not even the game makers and local authorities—could allow that.
Kilcup said his request shouldn't be difficult to grant. "They should have anticipated problems like this. They should have a team of people ready to resolve a conflict like this, if they're a responsible gaming company," he said.
The pastor's security concerns appear to be well grounded based on reported criminal incidents related to playing the game.
According to a Vox report, there have been reported cases of armed robbery victimising game players.
In one incident, four teens inside a car reportedly used the game's "lure" module—which allows a player to entice both cuddly digital creatures and real humans to his location—to stage up to 11 robberies in St. Louis, Missouri before finally getting caught.
Vox reports that "Pokémon Go" players also face other dangers including hurting themselves when they get hit by a car, or causing a car accident because of their failure to be aware of their surroundings; experiencing racism, harassment, and social anxiety; being arrested for trespassing; and winding up in real-life fights with non-players.
