Smash hit game Pokémon Go is not likely to be available in China anytime soon. The Chinese authorities have said that the game including other augmented reality games may not be licensed in the country until all the potential safety hazards are properly evaluated.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said that out of "a high level of responsibility to national security and the safety of people's lives and property," it is coordinating with other government departments to properly evaluate the risk factors involved with the game.

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According to the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, the various risks associated with the game are related to the personal safety of the users. The association, which is governed by the state censor board, said that the game may pose risk to transport and geographical information security.

Pokémon Go and other such games use Google Maps, Google services, or other mapping services for their working, something that are banned in China. The country is also skeptical about the use of other geomapping services. However, Chinese companies have developed their own versions of Pokémon Go style games such as City Elves Go.

Pokémon Go developer company Niantic has not issued any comments in this regard.

Pokémon Go, which is one of the all-time most popular mobile gaming apps, saw an explosive growth last year. The game involves locating Pokémon characters, which are then required to be captured by the players. However, despite its popularity, the game has been criticized for risks involved such as road mishaps.

TagsPokemon Go, china, City Elves Go