 Ronn Torossian |
The point of the game is for players to wander around the world in search of Pokémon (pocket monsters). Sounds like it’s all in fun, and for the most part, it is. In fact, many businesses have been using the game to increase foot traffic in their establishments, setting up Pokémon gyms and setting out various items that attract game monsters to their place. The monsters then attract the players, many of whom buy something while they’re on the premises.
But not everyone is encouraging foot traffic on their private property. Some homeowners are incensed that people are just wandering in and around their yards, heedless of property lines and rights. Videos are popping up all over the web of home and business owners confronting Poké-crazed players wandering around their property, some dropping trash as they go.
People are wandering around cemeteries too, regardless of the mourners there, tripping over or knocking over headstones and stepping on mementos left by friends and family.
In addition to private homes, certain churches, cemeteries, and landmarks are petitioning to have their locations removed as “playable” in the game. People wander in and out at all hours of the day and night, bringing with them the detritus of lives tethered to a mobile device. Property owners are not amused, and they are doing their best to take action.
Now, none of this is precisely the fault of the developers. They made a popular game, and it’s not on them to parent the people playing it. Then again, in the world of public relations, “should” and “is” often switch roles. Yes, it’s not their fault, but as long as the game continues to be connected to bad human behavior, the game will be connected to negative thoughts and images, connected to societal issues and social issues and even political and religious issues — topics to which game developers likely want to steer wide.
To date, the game’s developers are saying they will take these complaints seriously and will do what they can to address them. In the meantime, people are encouraged to be patient and take appropriate action where they can.
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Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR.
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