Pokémon GO has been an immense success since its debut back in July, compelling millions of gamers around the world to head out of their homes and venture into the real world to catch their favorite monsters via augmented reality. However, not everyone sees this surge in foot traffic as a positive. Niantic’s hit game has been banned in sensitive places like the US Pentagon, and various countries and cities have labeled the game as a nuisance.

The latest example is probably the most serious yet, as authorities in the Netherlands are now actually taking Niantic to court over the game. Since Pokémon GO‘s launch, the beaches of Kijkduin, south of the Hague, have become a hot spot for foot traffic. The famous dunes in that area are protected, and local authorities are concerned about potential damage caused by flocks of Pokémon hunters.

Authorities in the Netherlands are not seeking a total removal of Pokémon GO in these areas, but they want to eliminate the problems caused by large crowds gathering at night. As such, they informed Niantic that they “want to ban these small virtual animals in protected areas and in the streets from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.” The Hague city authorities claim that they have been trying to contact Niantic since mid-August, but they’ve heard nothing back. Because of this, they feel they have “no other choice” but to take Niantic to court. The case is set to be heard in The Hague on October 11th.

Source: The Guardian

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