PokémonGO craze gets players out in the streets across region

Heritage sites, shopping centres and streets across the region have been swarmed by players hoping to catch ‘em all.

The free-to-play augmented reality game, available from Google Play or the Apple Store, lets players catch Pokémon in real life.

But demand for the new game delayed its release in the UK after a server crash.

The release has revived the craze for the Nintendo game, which rose to popularity when millions of people played its first instalment on the Game Boy console in the late 1990s.
Its franchise soon expanded to include a number of game sequels, a trading card game, merchandise and films.

Users can scan their area using mobile devices in an attempt to find Wild Pokémon, before throwing a Pokéball to catch them if they’re lucky.

Players have already reported catching a haul of rare creatures in West Yorkshire, at designated Pokéstops - where users are directed to find new Pokémon.

They have been posting on social media about their searches for Pokémon.

Lucy Kate said: “@shaw_mollie just confessed she drove to brighouse from Illingworth tonight just to try catch some Pokemon, she didn’t find any.”

Mr Bearded Bear said: “Just being in asda and all over Batley and Huddersfield hunting #pokemon”

In Wakefield, Trinity Walk Shopping Centre has three Pokéstops for people to chance their luck.

And in Pontefract, the town’s Pontefract Castle has had a visitors trying to catch Pokémon since its release.

Mr F ‏said: “Security at Pontefract Castle had to go out six times already tonight for intruder alarm. Told guy suspected it was Pokemon Go.”

On Twitter, players posted screenshots catching a Weedle and Cubone at Castleford’s Junction 32 retail park.

Halifax RUFC also invited players on the social media site to toss their Pokéballs at Ovenden Park in Halifax.

Heidi Feit said: “Seen probably half the Halifax population out searching for Pokemon last night”

Ali said: “Why is it so hard to find pokemon in dewsbury?!?!?!?!?”

Jack Green said: “Don’t come to Mirfield, no Pokemon here”

Bekki Richardson said: “True friends walk round Sowerby Bridge with you while catching Pokemon”

People have also reported their Pokémon experiences on their phones in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, Batley and Todmorden.