*** Pokémon Go set to conquer Arab world | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Pokémon Go set to conquer Arab world

ManamaThe Pokéball craze and the Pikachu fad are spreading like a pandemic across the world, with the Nintendo’s viral Pokémon Go set to conquer more continents. 

After the game was released in US, Australia and New Zealand, it is now made available to fans in Germany and the UK. The GCC nations and other Asian countries are expected to get the official release this week.

The game hasn’t been officially released in Bahrain or other MENA countries, but that hasn’t stopped gamers from downloading the app from websites that have hacked into the programme.

Despite a fatwa that recommended a ban on the “un-Islamic” Pokémon cartoon and game in 2001, the Arab world has embraced the latest incarnation of the Pokémon franchise with zeal – as seen with the “Pokémon Go” game now sweeping the region, reported Al Arabiya.

Fans in Dubai are running around the city, eyes glued to their phones, in a bid to catch the virtual Pokémons. Meanwhile, downtown Lebanon on Monday witnessed people hunting for the fantasy characters.

Like many around the world, Pokémon won the hearts of Arab fans when it first came out in the late 1990s. Back then, some Muslim clerics, including Qatar-based Sheikh Yousef Qaradawi, described the cartoon’s games and cards as “time-consuming” and “psychologically unhealthy” for children.

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Beware of scorching summer

With the scorching summer looming over Bahrain, Pomon Go fans are advised not to go outside during afternoon hours in search of the coveted Pikachu.

Some of the Middle Eastern countries have already issued official warning against searching for Pomon creatures when the sun is at its strongest.

The Turkish health ministry said, “We do not recommend searching for Pokémon between 11am and 4pm when the sun’s rays hit at a direct angle.”

 

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Pros and Cons of Pokémon Go

Pros

Lots of exercise

The exercise aspect has probably been the most talked-about benefit of Pokémon Go since it was released. Nintendo built this game to get people off the couch by giving an incentive to collect new Pokémon and balls to catch them with. 

Exposure to cultural landmarks

Besides just walking around looking for Pokémon, gamers can visit PokéStops. These can include things like public art, murals and sculptures, unique architecture, and historical landmarks. 

You run into old friends, make new ones

Kids who used to play the original Gameboy Pokémon together are bumping into each other as adults, years later, as they gather in parks or near schools hunting around PokéStops. It is instantaneous how conversations start—and new relationships might be hatching just like Poké eggs.

Absolute fun

The blending of reality and fantasy can spark your creativity and childhood imagination. Finding cartoons popping up in the middle of buildings and streets brings you back to feeling like a kid.

 

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Cons

Malicious fake apps abound

Anything that is popular easily attracts the attention of hackers. It’s no different with Pokémon Go. The rigged game could potentially allow a hacker to take total control of your smartphone remotely.

Threat to privacy

Apart from the privacy concerns arising due to the constant access to camera and GPS that the game has, security firm TrendMicro said that for some iPhones users, the game gets full access to Google accounts. It allows the gaming company to read even your emails.

Big drain on smartphone’s battery

Pokémon Go is resource-intensive game and uses the GPS, camera and mobile internet together constantly to stay connected, so that you can catch a Jigglypuff. And while you play the game to work, you realise there is hardly any juice left on your smartphone.

It could be dangerous

“Don’t Pokémon Go and drive” signs have reportedly started appearing in the US. The game requires users to stare at their screens continuously and the hunt for Pokémons could lead players anywhere: busy roads, train stations, under-construction buildings, etc.