Pokémon fever takes over Rotherham

GAMING fans have taken to the streets with their eyes fixed on their phones – and it’s all because of a new global phenomenon.

Pokémon Go, part of the Pokémon franchise, was made available in the UK to Android and iOS users yesterday after previously being released in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

The game is free to play and allows users to take part in a virtual reality treasure hunt to capture creatures, called Pokémon, who appear throughout the real world.

In Rotherham, players have taken to the Facebook page ‘Pokémon Go – Rotherham Area’ to share their findings, listing Maltby Library, Rotherham Interchange and Dalton Park all as locations where the creatures have been found.

The page has attracted 118 likes in its first few days, and sees avid fans sharing hints, tips and pictures related to the game.

One dedicated user commented on Facebook: “Walking to town soon go for a breakfast and catch some beasts”, while another claimed to have found a Pokémon in a drink at a pub.

On Twitter, another fan said: “3 people (inc. me) all walk towards a clock tower in Rotherham on our phones and stand still. Any guesses as to whats happening? #PokemonGo”.

The game was developed by The Pokémon Company, which is 32 per cent owned by Nintendo, and has resulted in Nintendo enjoying its biggest weekly share price gain in more than 30 years.

If you’ve been out seeking Pokémon in Rotherham, send us your pictures via our Facebook page ‘Rotherham Advertiser’ or via Twitter @rotherhamtiser using hashtag #PokemonRoth.