Nobody could have guessed the popularity of Pokémon Go, the virtual reality app that currently has more daily users than Twitter. But with great power comes great responsibility, as the creators of this hit app are aware. They’re in the process of allowing places that come up on the maps as Pokéstops to opt out.

Pokéstops are spots where users can go to get items and drop lures that will attract Pokémon. They’re typically public places in real life, like churches and parks and libraries, but sometimes they’re private property or places that really have no business being Pokéstops, like the American Holocaust Memorial Museum, which recently had its Pokéstop removed.

It’s great that the Pokémon Go team is working to make these changes because, as much as there are many people who adore the game, there are also many who dislike it because it brings masses of random people to places they were not invited, which can be an inconvenience if the place is a business or a safety hazard if the place is a nuclear plant. Real life places weren’t designed for games. A church, for example, is a place of worship, not a place to snag some potions. A lot of places have signs and notices up to ward off dedicated Poké-players, but, from the many reports of injuries, crashes and even deaths brought on by the game, it can be assumed that some people are too focused on their phones to notice signs.

Though there isn’t a set date as to when this important change will be made available, there is an online form on the Niantic (the developer) website that can be filled out in the meantime. L

ogically, the next step after that would be allowing places that want to be Pokéstops to become so. Small businesses or stores that actually want some new traffic and appreciate the game’s ways will, hypothetically, be able to get visitors in this way.

rpgvaliant.com

Pokémon Go could soon achieve the world harmony that used to only exist behind the screen!