Pokémon GO, the location-based free-to-play augmented reality mobile game, has become very popular since its release in early July. However, game developer Niantic Labs is facing a class-action lawsuit in the U.S.
Most video games are played in the comfort of a player's living room, but Pokémon GO is different. John Hanke, the CEO of Niantic Labs, says that Pokémon GO players are encouraged to go outdoors, discover new places and get exercise while searching for Pokémon. Millions of gamers around the world are hunting for Pokémon from their latest Pokémon GO app. However, some game enthusiasts even want to enter private properties in search of Pokémon.
A man from New Jersey has filed a lawsuit in California federal court alleging that the hype around Pokémon GO has created a nuisance for many people. The lawsuit against Nintendo and Niantic Labs seeks a class action status as some Pokestops and Pokémon gyms are on or adjacent to private properties and these coordinates were placed without the property owner's consent.
The plaintiff says that at least five Pokémon GO players knocked on his door and informed him that there is a Pokémon in his backyard. The players also wanted access to the backyard to catch the Pokémon.
"Defendants have shown a flagrant disregard for the foreseeable consequences of populating the real world with virtual Pokémon without seeking the permission of property owners," says the complaint.
Although the lawsuit is the first, many people are not happy with Pokémon GO. Soon after the game was launched, a Vancouver man also displayed a sign at his apartment asking players to stay out of his yard. Pokémon GO has also frustrated many people in a suburb neighborhood in Sydney where gamers flocked in search for Pokémon.
Niantic Labs has not responded about the lawsuit it is facing. However, the game developer has posted some guidelines on its web page to make Pokémon GO a fun experience for everyone.
"Remember to be alert at all time and stay aware of your surroundings. Please do not trespass, or in any manner gain or attempt to gain access to any property or location where you do not have the right or permission to be," note the Pokémon GO guidelines.
Reports suggest that Pokémon GO has been downloaded about 100 million times since its launch. The high popularity of the app is good news for the game developer, but Niantic will have to find a solution so that the GPS coordinates are not placed on or near private properties so that players do not disturb others accidentally or intentionally in search of Pokémon.
