It seems like it is quite difficult to impress China with new technology or even convince it to keep the old ones, if the tech in question is unable to the the stringent line drawn by the regime. The potential superpower of the world, China, is hitting the news as it plans to eliminate Nintendo’s hit smartphone app, Pokemon Go and other inflated reality games from the country.
Taking a tough stance against Pokemon Go and other, similar exploratory games, the state censor said it would not license the games until their security risks have been evaluated.
Pokémon Go was amongst the most used apps in 2016. This location-based game developed by Niantic, engaged the entire world and different generations in the gaming quarter.
In this game, players are required to walk around real- life neighborhoods to hunt and capture virtual cartoon characters called pokemons, on their smartphones. The game was created in the background of a generation where people have stopped outdoor activities. So Pokémon Go motivated people with inclination towards online games, to step out.
As much as this game was appreciated, it also had its days of criticism. Players often got distracted while capturing these characters and with their focus lying on the screen, many faced serious road accidents. The data privacy concerns over the geo-location system used within the application has also created controversy.
A games panel of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, which is governed by the censor body, said that the risks on which they are planning to prevent the roll out reality based games, include “threat to geographical information security and the threat to transport and the personal safety of consumers”.
The game relies on Google services such as company’s Maps application, which are blocked in China. It is also reported that some Chinese companies have been developing similar games based on reality and location – based services. If that is indeed the case, well, Pokemon Go would be almost certain to miss out on over a billion potential gamers. China after all, is not famous for encouraging companies that compete with domestics.
An industry body said that the Censor and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television is coordinating with other government departments to evaluate the game’s risks.
