Niantic is trying to stop Pokemon Go players from trespassing

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The developer recently shelled out $4 million to settle a trespassing lawsuit

(Image credit: Getty Images / Portland Press Herald)

Who could've imagined a game where you walk through residential areas to catch Pokemon could lead to trespassing? Not Niantic apparently, who recently paid out a $4 million settlement in a class action lawsuit that alleges Pokemon Go encourages trespassing and dangerous play, as reported by The Register. For obvious reasons, Niantic is now taking action to stop Pokemon Go players from trespassing. Chiefly, the studio will begin implementing a reporting system they say will address 95% of related incidents within 15 days.

A complaint by a Florida resident describes an experience ripped straight from a horror movie, alleging Pokemon Go players were "acting like zombies, bumping into things" when they wandered onto his property multiple times. A separate complaint says five different Pokemon trainers had rung his doorbell and asked if they could use his backyard to catch Pokemon.

In addition to the already in-place warning to "Stay aware of your surroundings," Niantic will add additional steps to ensure Pokemon Go players aren't breaking any laws. For one, they'll stop putting Pokestops near single-family homes and have gotten rid of any existing instances. They're also adding a mechanic that will disable Pokestop and Gym markers that are inside a public park after hours.

Looking for tips and tricks to playing Pokemon Go without trespassing? Here's your guide. 

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick
Staff Writer

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.