July 11th, 2016 
Mark Following a report of armed robbers targeting Pokemon Go players, developer Niantic Labs has urged users to be “safe and alert” while playing the game. Unlike most mobile games, Pokemon Go encourages players to travel out in the real world, oftentimes to places they’ve never been before, in an attempt to find and catch creatures.
In a statement to VentureBeat, the developer said it is aware of “some incidents” related to Pokemon Go, though it did not name any outright. When traveling to unfamiliar places to find elusive Pokemon, players should be aware of their surroundings, it added.
“We encourage all people playing Pokemon Go to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places,” Niantic explained. “Please remember to be safe and alert at all times.”
This is always good advice. Also, don’t drive and play Pokemon Go at the same time.
The official Pokemon Go terms of service also include a passage about playing safely.
“During game play, please be aware of your surroundings and play safely,” reads a line from the document. “You agree that your use of the App and play of the game is at your own risk, and it is your responsibility to maintain such health, liability, hazard, personal injury, medical, life, and other insurance policies as you deem reasonably necessary for any injuries that you may incur while using the Services.”
On Sunday, July 10, authorities in Missouri said armed robbers targeted Pokemon Go players. We don’t have all the details yet, but it’s possible that thieves are using items that make Pokemon more likely appear in a specific area–called Lures–to attract potential victims.
In other news about Pokemon Go, the game’s release has been a big boon for Nintendo’s share price, while Niantic Labs has teased what features are coming next.
For lots more on Pokemon Go, check out the stories below:
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