'Pokémon Go' Banned In China Due To Security Risks

Pokémon Go and similar games will not be coming to China, according to a report from Reuters. The main concern from the government seems to be security risks.

Reuters mentions a posting from the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, where risks detailed for allowing Pokémon Go and similar games into the country include the “threat to geographical information security and the threat to transport and the personal safety of consumers.” The China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association works for the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, also known as the Chinese censors.

Even if Pokémon Go was given the greenlight, it’s uncertain how the game would have performed. Pokémon Go relies on the use of Google Maps data, and Google Maps is blocked in China to begin with.

That being said, Reuters reports some companies in China are working on their own similar games. Seeing as how China is the world’s most valuable mobile game market, a Pokémon Go clone should do pretty darn well if done right.

So what do you think? Are you surprised to see Pokémon Go getting shut out of China? Are you still trying to catch ‘em all yourself? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.