Historically, when individuals think about video game injuries they may be thinking of carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain or possible fatigue, as gamers play for hours on end in the comfort of their own homes. However, with the recent launch of Pokémon Go into Canada, gamers, pedestrians and motorists alike, need to be aware of the increased caution that is needed on roadways as more people immerse themselves in the virtual world, while physically walking around in the real world.
Sensor Tower, a group that analyzes mobile apps earlier estimated that the game is the fastest ever to reach 50 million global downloads across iOS and Android devices and now estimates that the game has crossed the 75 million download milestone earlier this week.
The share price of Nintendo Co., Ltd rose dramatically after the initial launch on July 6th, 2016, from $17.63 to an intra-day 52-week high on July 18th, 2016 at $38.25. The share price has since fallen back to about $29 on the date this article was written. Nintendo now sits at a market capitalization of around $36.74 Billion.
Within Toronto, pedestrian and road safety is an upmost concern for motorists and residents of the city. As of July 14, 2016, total pedestrian and cyclist deaths within Toronto for this year have reached 23. With the addition of games such as Pokémon Go, gamers, pedestrians and motorists should take extra care, to avoid contributing further to this rise in deaths.
For Gamers
1. Remember to be alert at all times, be aware of your surroundings. This is also the splash screen message within Pokémon Go as the app opens, which can be applied to both awareness to capture Pokémon and player’s safety as they travel around the real world.
2. Common sense. There have already been numerous reports of accidents related to players playing Pokémon Go, as people walk into revolving doors, trees, or not being fully aware when crossing a street, leading to personal injuries.
3. Avoid Trespassing and show respect. In the quest for Pokémon, players have also been trespassing into restricted areas or places where they could be hurt, or hurt by others present at these locations. Some of these places include, court rooms, hospitals, and residential homes. Players should avoid trespassing into these areas, and allow clients, patients and homeowners their privacy.
For Pedestrians
1. Awareness of others. If you are not playing Pokémon Go, be aware that others might be or are being simply distracted in some other way. This may result in pedestrians, abruptly stopping on the sidewalk, road, or while crossing a street.
2. Any handheld device. When using any handheld device be aware when stepping away from curbs and on to the street as these devices may lead to distraction. As the saying goes, “look both ways before crossing the street”.
For Motorists
1. Avoid playing Pokémon Go while driving. This may seem like common sense, however, there have already been accidents related to players driving while trying to capture a Pokémon. Avoiding playing while driving will improve the overall road safety for yourself and others.
2. Awareness of others. Be aware that in high density pedestrian areas some people may make unexpected movements or not be fully aware of the real-world dangers that are present as they walk into the street or into a parking lot.
While the weather is nice this summer, more and more people will be out trying to catch them all. Remember when playing Pokémon Go, be respectful, be aware of your surroundings and be safe! As the saying goes, “the life you save may be your own”.
Feel free to contact me or any lawyer at Strype Barristers LLP and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding issues arising from this new wave of entertainment.
Robert
Robert Ciriello, HBA, MBA, JD
Articling Student
Strype Barristers LLP
141 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON, M5H 3L5
Tel: 416.214.2400 Ext. 2240
E-mail: Rciriello@strype.ca
Links to Other Articles
For more information on Pokémon Go, see the links below:
https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-adds-9b-to-nintendos-value-global-rollout-continues-this-week/
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-estimated-to-have-been-downloaded-75-mi/1100-6442180/
For more information on pedestrian and cyclist deaths within Toronto, see the link below:
http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2016/02/04/pedestrian-and-cyclist-fatalities-in-toronto-2016.html
