RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The release of a new augmented reality game in Saudi Arabia has been met with uncertainty, as the country’s religious police have yet to give their approval for the app. Pokémon GO, which has become a global phenomenon since its release last week, uses a smartphone’s GPS and camera to superimpose cartoon creatures onto real-world settings. Players can then catch, train, and battle these creatures, which appear on their phone screens as if they were standing right in front of them. The game has been downloaded more than 100 million times worldwide, and has been credited with getting people up and moving, and even helping some players lose weight. However, the game has also raised some concerns about safety, as players can become so engrossed in the game that they may not be paying attention to their surroundings. There have been reports of people walking into traffic, or falling into fountains, while playing the game. In Saudi Arabia, the game’s release has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the game as a fun and healthy way to get exercise, while others have expressed concerns about its potential to promote idolatry and violence. The country’s religious police, known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, has not yet commented on the game, but it is likely that they will eventually issue a ruling on whether or not it is permissible to play in Saudi Arabia. If the game is banned, it would be a major blow to its popularity in the country, as Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest markets for mobile gaming. However, even if the game is allowed, it is likely that players will face some restrictions, such as not being able to play in certain public places. For now, the future of Pokémon GO in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. However, one thing is for sure: the game has captured the attention of the country’s people, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming weeks and months..
Google News: Uncertainty over ‘Pokemon GO’ app in Saudi Arabia
