The Pokémon Go community was left furious after British police appeared to ‘spot’ adults playing the popular mobile title.
In 2016, millions of gamers ventured outside their homes to capture their favorite ‘man in the real world’ with the debut of Pokémon Go. Four years later, the hit title is still a cultural phenomenon.
However, fans were left angry when it appeared that a viral post by the police in Essex, UK, mocked adults going outside and playing the game.
Pokémon players are singled out by the police.
Pokémon Go players angry over police post
On January 10, the social media account for Essex police called Pokémon players to play outside of the Niantic game. Fans of the series were upset when the account singled out fans based on their age.
‘While I patrol, [we have had to] talk to a number of different men, over 30 years old, who are apparently acceptable to attend certain public places in the district, to hunt Pokémon! Yes, you read that right, ”reads the report.
The social media letter went viral on Reddit’s’ unitedkingdom ‘forum when one user created a thread saying:’ Essex police have launched a targeted social media attack on men over 30 and mocked them for being Pokémon Go played while practicing alone. ‘
Essex police have launched a targeted social media attack on men over 30, ridiculing them for playing Pokémon Go while practicing alone. from unitedkingdom
The police warning started a debate among Go players who felt they were diminishing players’ ages. One user wrote: ‘It is not necessary to single out such a group. Rag on Pokémon Go if that’s your problem, but make no difference if it was otherwise teenagers or even middle-aged women !! ”
Fans also felt that the game was singled out, as many pointed out that they used Go to practice. “Didn’t anyone tell the police that Pokémon Go is an app designed to encourage Pokémon fans to go outside to practice?” said one coach. Another answer: ‘Someone who plays while walking, I do not know what the problem is or why it is different from someone who walks and text. ‘
Due to the district with practice zones, players were confused about why the game was singled out. For millions of Go users, the mobile app is the way they work.
At the time of writing, the social media account for the Essex police has taken down the post. However, the message quickly spread on many forums and left many Pokémon fans upset.