Can't catch a Pokemon? Here's why
MANILA, Philippines – Were you able to catch the Pokemon Go fever yesterday?
On July 6, Pokemon Go screenshots and tweets flooded the Internet, fueling excitement within the avid fans and the curious ones all over the world.
Pokemon Go is now available. Sht! sht! sht! I'm not ready yet
— Ian S. Daos (@iandaos) July 6, 2016
CURRENTLY INSTALLING POKEMON GO... OH MY GOD MY HEART.
— Candy Gamos (@cannnnnndy) July 6, 2016
I repeat, POKÉMON GO IS NOW AVAILABLE, This is not a drill!!!
— Neil Enore (@neilke93) July 6, 2016
Got my first Pokémon: Charmander pic.twitter.com/ZhTF1UQlXh
And although the game was intended to be made available only in some countries, individuals outside the authorized territory, including the Philippines managed to gain access to the game by downloading it illegally via APK files.
Because of this, Niantic, the maker of the game, allegedly shut down the servers to avert unauthorized downloading. So if ever you are wondering why you could not catch Charmander or Bulbasaur yet, it's because it is "illegal."
A certain user named Twintendo posted a tweet, warning those who downloaded the modified APK for "Pokemon GO" that their phone and accounts might get banned if they are caught illegally playing the game.
If you have downloaded the APK for Pokemon GO delete it now. They are banning your device and not your account, which is much worse!
— Twintendo (@Twintendo_) July 6, 2016
According to The Verge, Pokemon Go is an app that uses your smartphone's camera and sensors, as well as location-based algorithms, to place Pokemon in the real world. It was created by Niantic, in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Pokemon GO is available only in Australia, New Zealand and US for iOS and android users. The makers have not said a word yet regarding when it will be available in other countries but experts advise that it's better to wait until the game officially launches in your country than risk your online safety.
