Intense rivalries and battles seem to be a central part of the popular augmented reality game, Pokemon Go. Especially when it comes to fighting for dominance at Pokemon gyms, aggressiveness and competitiveness can be seen amongst players worldwide. However, a recent incident involving in-game bullying has brought a rather dark twist to these rivalries.
Like in any other game, occasional incidents of displeasure and frustration are commonplace in the Pokemon Go community. One common grievance is with players who monopolise gyms, thereby preventing others from earning PokeCoins, the in-game currency required to progress in the game. There are also reports of players being annoyed by the early eviction of their Pokemon from gyms even before they can maximise the 50-coin reward.
However, it is a player's recent ill-conceived act that has raised concerns among the community. This player has taken the concept of a gym rivalry to disturbing lengths. He has targeted another player, apparently a local rival, through bullying and inappropriate in-game actions, thereby crossing the boundaries of acceptable sportsmanship.
A concerned Pokemon Go player highlighted this act of in-game intimidation by sharing a screenshot on social media platforms. The screenshot explicitly showcased the bully's derogatory in-game action. It indicated how the bully overpowered a local gym with a Pokemon that he with a title bearing expletives against a player named 'Jason', who had previously won control over the gym.
Sharing the incident with fellow players, the victim narrated, "There's this guy who has over 19 accounts and he monopolises every gym we see. There's a gym within our walking distance - the only one we have to earn coins - and he takes it over consistently. In apparent retaliation because we 'take the gym' from him, he created an account with an offensive username targeting one of us.".
But the bully did not stop there. He continued his vindictive actions and, to take his revenge further, created another account. This time, he aimed his malevolent attention on another random player who once allied with Jason in a game.
These incidents, though isolated, are not unheard of in the world of Pokemon Go. This particular incident quickly drew immense response on social media. Many players criticised the bully's spiteful actions, underlining how they distorted the spirit of the game.
One player responded to the incident and noted the absurdity of the situation. He commented, "I wouldn't even get offended. I'd laugh at the ludicrousness of someone spending the time to create a whole new account with an offensive username just because they were beaten at a Pokemon Go gym."
Aside from the criticisms, many Pokemon Go players rallied to support the victims. They provided advice on dealing with such situations. A player suggested the victims to report these offensive accounts. He proposed, "You should report all of these accounts and send a message to support explaining your situation."
However, these suggestions, though helpful, can only act as palliative measures at best. They cannot fully address the caustic rivalries and consequent bullying that sometimes become a part of the game's experience.
Reports of similar incidents have been sporadic but recurrent. They challenge the immersive yet fun experience that Pokemon Go aims to provide its players. Moreover, they expose the rather alarming susceptibility of players, especially younger ones, to bullying in an online gaming world.
While engaging rivalries can be exhilarating and add an exciting edge to the game, crossing the thin line between competition and bullying can mar the fun considerably. Pokemon Go, along with its millions of players worldwide, is a vibrant community that should ardently discourage such negative behaviours.
By highlighting these incidents, the Pokemon Go community is taking steps towards fostering a safe and respectful gaming environment for all. This will ensure that players can continue to enjoy the game in its true essence, without having to worry about bullying or any form of harassment.
Therefore, gamers worldwide should focus on developing a sportsmanlike attitude and a congenial environment while gaming. This will encourage fair play, promote inclusiveness, and create a positive ambiance in the world of Pokemon Go, ensuring it remains an enjoyable and enriching experience for all.