...
...
Next Story

In pics: Hundreds on streets to catch Pokemons in Hong Kong’s first ‘PokeWalk’

Hundreds gathered in Hong Kong to live out their childhood dream of catching Pokemon in what was billed as the city’s first Pokemon Go walk on Saturday.

Updated on: Aug 6, 2016, 20:26:59 IST
By , Hong Kong
Prefer HTon Google
Advertisement

Hundreds gathered in Hong Kong to live out their childhood dream of catching Pokemon in the wild in what was billed as the city’s first Pokemon Go walk on Saturday.

Participants stop at a designated area next to Victoria Harbour and use their smartphones as they play the gaming app Pokemon Go during a "PokeWalk" in Hong Kong on Saturday. (AFP)
Participants stop at a designated area next to Victoria Harbour and use their smartphones as they play the gaming app Pokemon Go during a "PokeWalk" in Hong Kong on Saturday. (AFP)

The gaming app landed in late July in Hong Kong and saw residents more glued to their phones than ever, searching for the cyber creatures in locations ranging from public parks to the government headquarters.

The app, which uses satellite locations, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real-world settings, has prompted warnings from governmental departments and even from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army garrisoned in the city.

Participants use their smartphones as they play Pokemon Go during "PokeWalk" in Hong Kong

But this did not stop hundreds of Pokemon faithful from gathering in the financial district of Central Saturday to catch the cyber creatures en masse.

Participants take a selfie with their smartphone during the "PokeWalk"

Another player also agreed it was nice to see people of different ages out in the streets reconnecting with others and their childhoods.

“I think the community aspect of it is nice, we all grew up with Pokemon,” Sarah Masters, 19, said.

“It’s nice how people can come together and do something like this,” the university student added.

Around 200 players attended the event, according to AFP reporters at the scene.

Participants hold up Pokemon toys during "PokeWalk"

Players filled up the sidewalks and screamed with excitement when rare Pokemon creatures appeared on their phones, as they were watched over by a handful of police officers and organisers who led the crowds and reminded participants to be careful when crossing roads.

In Indonesia last month a French player was stopped and questioned for several hours after the app led him into a military base.

Hundreds gathered in Hong Kong to live out their childhood dream of catching Pokemon in what was billed as the city's first Pokemon Go walk on Saturday.

On the other side of the world, two youngsters were so preoccupied with catching the cartoon monsters that they wandered across the US-Canada border.

Some Pokemon Go players were even robbed after being lured to isolated locations in hopes of catching the virtual creatures, according to US reports. Other distracted players have been blamed for causing traffic accidents.

 
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe