Pokemon GO is taking India's not-so-religious youngsters on a pilgrimage as they scout for potions, Pokeballs and other freebies in Niantic's latest augmented reality game.
Pokemon GO has not been officially launched in India but several Android and iPhone users have been able play it by either switching to a US account on Apple store or downloading an APK for Anrdoid. Either way, gamers are out to catch 'em all and finding Pokestops in religious places.
"I have been to more temples, churches and mosques in the last 2 days than the last 5 years combined. All thanks to Pokemon Go," informs an Indian Reddit user. Another user points out that all big Pokestops in the Indian state of Kerala are in churches.
"There are nearly 6 Pokestops near my office. Most are temples but I was able to hit them all up on one Uber ride. Drove 20 mins on the scooter near house to catch Pokemon. Got quite a bit. Amazing fun (sic)," reads another Reddit post.
Pokemon GO was field-tested in Australia, New Zealand and the US where it was later launched alongside UK and subsequent launches in some parts of Europe. The game's testing first began in Japan, home of the Pokemon, but the game is yet to be released in Asia. An India launch is rumored with Japan and Canada release.
Despite relatively poor internet connectivity in India compared to the western world, players are on a roll. Some players have reported driving through the chaotic Indian traffic as effective means of catching Pokemon. However, traffic also poses safety hazard for India players.
Like fellow gamers around the world, Indian players have complained of repetitiveness in the game and are wondering if Pokemon GO will continue to engross them. That notwithstanding, gamers are banding to explore their cities and towns like never before. Walks are being organized to get gamers discover and capture Pokemon. Over 2,000 people have signed up for one such event scheduled Sunday in Hyderabad.
