Loading ...Pokemon Go in the Arab World
By: Tamara Wong Azaiez/Contributing Writer
Pokemon Go is a phenomenon that has been taking the world by storm, combining both exercise and gaming for a fun, active experience. The game uses an augmented version of Google Maps to detect where the player is located, and places Pokemon in various nooks and crannies. As the gamer moves around, new Pokemon appear, forcing the gamer to explore the area in order to do well in the game.
Pokemon Go provides a nostalgic touch to the world of millennials who grew up playing Pokemon on Nintendo. With the interface of a Gameboy, but a shiny new look and incredible graphics, Pokemon Go’s is fulfilling a virtual reality dream for its users.
Despite its worldwide popularity, there are some Arab countries that are starting to view the game as a threat. Gamers have violated multiple trespassing laws in the desire to find new and rare Pokemon located in dangerous and protected areas. Although Pokemon Go is yet to be launched in the Arab world, savvy players have downloaded the game through VPN sites, getting past the blocks.
By downloading the game, many domains have been accessed illegally and allowed hackers into government system. The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority stated that through the use of Pokemon Go, geographical locations are at risk of use in criminal activity. By entering these zones, gamers are putting themselves in jeopardy and potential danger. For ex-pats, the situation worsens. If they enter “shopping centers, malls, mosques or oil installations” and “pounce on the characters,” they at risk of deportation. For natives, they are being threatened with arrest if their behavior is found “inappropriate” by UAE government.
The actual game also is receiving a firm thumbs down from the Arab world. An ultraconservative council of the senior clerics of Saudi Arabia commented on the game, saying it “violates Islamic prohibitions against gambling, uses devious Masonic-like symbols and promotes “forbidden images.”
Outside the Gulf region, several Arabs have taken a more positive approach to the game. Iraqi comedian Ahmed al-Basheer turned the game into a skit segment for his stand up, affectionately referencing the characters as.“Pikachu al-Baghdadi” and Jigglypuff in a headscarf.” His skit references the craze that has taken the world by storm, and attracted even the wealthiest of Arab royalty into the game.
Syrians are also using Pokemon Go, but for less fortunate reasons. Syrians still in their country, as well as Syrian refugees, have been drawing Pokemon characters with captions, “I am here, come save me” forcing the world to sit up and listen. Hoping to be “captured” and rescued by gamers, these Syrian children are bringing reality to the augmented game.
As with all games, there is a lesson that can be learned in the virtual world. While there are discrepancies in how to perceive Pokemon Go by Arabs, the game is provoking important conversations about censorship, crises, and society. The game is meant to be enjoyed by all and get people active. However, it does not serve as an excuse to break laws, violate privacy, and forget about suffering children.