People use their mobile phones to play Nintendo’s Pokemon Go game in Hong Kong. — AFP photo
HONG KONG: The Chinese army garrisoned in Hong Kong has warned people searching for Pikachu and other virtual monsters to stay off their premises, as Pokemon Go mania sweeps the smartphone-obsessed city.
The gaming app landed Monday in Hong Kong and saw residents more glued to their phones than ever, searching for the cyber creatures in locations ranging from shopping malls to the government headquarters.
The app uses satellite locations, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings, challenging players to capture and train them for battles.
But the city’s enthusiasm to “catch ‘em all” has prompted warnings from government departments and even the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to stay off their property.
The game has prompted increasing concern worldwide over safety, with reports of players straying into restricted areas, being injured or becoming crime victims.
A PLA spokesman said the city’s barracks were closed zones. — AFP