'Pokémon GO' problems news: Couple sues game; comedian charged for subway stunt in 'Pokémon GO' video
"Pokémon GO" may be a global phenomenon, having surpassed popular mobile apps such as Twitter and Tinder in terms of daily usage, but not everyone is pleased with the location-based augmented reality mobile game.
In fact, a Michigan couple has sued the developers of "Pokémon GO" for allegedly ruining their quality of life.
The class action lawsuit filed by Scott and Jayme Dodich of St. Clair Shores alleges that the three defendants — Niantic, the game's developer and publisher; Nintendo, which receives a certain percentage of "Pokémon GO" revenues; and Pokémon Co., which conceived the concept for the game — are making millions of dollars off the wildly popular app while showing a "flagrant disregard" for the lives of many affected by "Pokémon GO" players.
"Nobody gets sleep anymore," the couple's lawsuit states. "How is this acceptable? ... They hang out on our lawns, trample landscaping, look in vehicles ... We don't feel safe ... I don't feel safe sitting on our porch."
"Indeed, defendants have shown a flagrant disregard for the foreseeable consequences of populating the real world with virtual Pokémon without seeking the permission of property owners," the lawsuit claims.
The Dodich family has been affected by "Pokémon GO" as they live right across Wahby Park, in which a Pokémon Gym and seven different Pokéstops are reportedly located. According to KHOU, the couple's goal with the lawsuit is to keep Pokémon from assigning GPS locations for their Pokémon Gyms and Pokéstops without permission from those who live close to privately owned property. The couple is also requesting a cut from "Pokémon GO" profits as they claim that their property has been instrumental to the game's success.
Meanwhile, a comedian in Toronto was recently charged for jumping on subway tracks in a "Pokémon GO" YouTube video he made in July.
According to Polygon, Mark Correia performed the stunt for a video in which he points out the hazards of playing "Pokémon GO." The video, which was published just days after reports of people getting injured while playing "Pokémon GO" came out, showed Correia walking into doors, buildings, and other structures.
According to Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) head Brad Ross, the TTC is taking Correia's offense seriously and is currently investigating the incident. The comedian was charged with "unauthorized access on subway tracks."