Table of Contents

Why Is Pokémon Banned In Some Countries?

Quick answer

This page answers Why is Pokemon banned in most countries? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Pokémon, a global phenomenon spanning video games, trading cards, anime, and merchandise, enjoys widespread popularity. However, its journey hasn’t been without controversy. The question “Why is Pokémon banned in most countries?” is actually a misconception. Pokémon is not banned in most countries. In fact, it is predominantly legal and enjoyed in the vast majority of nations. However, a small but significant number of countries have, at various times, banned or restricted specific aspects of the Pokémon franchise, primarily the Pokémon Go mobile game or the Pokémon anime. These bans stem from various concerns, including national security risks, promotion of gambling, religious objections, health concerns, and perceived threats to traditional values.

Pokémon Go, with its augmented reality (AR) features, has faced the most significant restrictions. Governments worry that the game’s reliance on GPS and camera technology could be exploited for surveillance, potentially jeopardizing national security. Imagine sensitive locations being inadvertently mapped or photographed by players. In addition to security concerns, some bans have religious roots. For example, in 2001, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia issued a fatwā against the Pokémon franchise, citing its alleged promotion of gambling (through the trading card game) and Zionism.

Ultimately, the reasons for banning or restricting Pokémon are diverse and often intertwined with a country’s specific cultural, political, and religious context. While the vast majority of the world embraces Pokémon, understanding the reasons behind these bans provides valuable insight into the complex relationship between entertainment, technology, and society.

Reasons for Pokémon Bans & Restrictions

Several factors contribute to the banning or restriction of Pokémon in certain countries:

National Security Concerns

This is perhaps the most prominent reason, particularly for Pokémon Go. The game’s use of GPS location data and camera functionality raises concerns about potential espionage or unauthorized data collection. Governments worry that players inadvertently gathering sensitive information about military installations, government buildings, or other critical infrastructure could compromise national security. Some countries fear that foreign entities could exploit the game to map sensitive locations or collect intelligence.

Religious Objections

In some countries with strong religious traditions, the Pokémon franchise has faced criticism for allegedly conflicting with religious teachings. Some argue that the concept of evolution presented in Pokémon contradicts creationist beliefs. Others point to perceived elements of gambling in the trading card game or themes they deem inappropriate for children.

Concerns About Gambling

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been accused of promoting gambling, especially among children. The randomized nature of booster packs, where players purchase packs without knowing the specific cards they’ll receive, is seen as similar to a lottery or gambling. While the TCG is generally considered a game of skill and strategy, the element of chance in obtaining rare and valuable cards fuels these concerns.

Public Safety and Distraction

Pokémon Go, in particular, has been linked to public safety hazards. Players engrossed in the game may become distracted, leading to accidents while walking, driving, or crossing streets. The game has also been criticized for encouraging players to trespass on private property or venture into dangerous areas in search of rare Pokémon.

Concerns about Pokémon’s Portrayal of Natural Selection

Another issue, particularly in some religious circles, is the portrayal of natural selection. These groups assert that the natural selection featured in Pokemon, which leads to evolution, can threaten established religious and cultural mores.

Countries That Have Banned or Restricted Pokémon

While a comprehensive list is constantly evolving, here are some notable examples:

China: Pokémon Go has been banned in China since 2017 due to concerns about geographical information security, transport safety, and personal safety.
Russia and Belarus: Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, suspended its games in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Iran: Iran was the first country to ban Pokémon Go, citing security concerns related to the game’s location-based technology.
Saudi Arabia: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia issued a fatwā against the Pokémon franchise in 2001, citing its alleged promotion of gambling and Zionism. The ban has resurfaced periodically.

FAQs About Pokémon Bans

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon bans around the world:

Is Pokémon Go banned in most countries? No, Pokémon Go is not banned in most countries. It is available and played in the vast majority of nations worldwide. Bans are relatively isolated incidents.
Why did Saudi Arabia ban Pokémon? In 2001, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia issued a fatwā banning the Pokémon franchise, citing its alleged promotion of gambling and Zionism. This fatwa has resurfaced periodically.
Why is Pokémon Go banned in China? Pokémon Go is banned in China due to concerns about geographical information security, transport safety, and personal safety.
Why is Pokémon Go not available in Russia and Belarus? Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, suspended its games in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Which country was the first to ban Pokémon Go? Iran was the first country to officially ban Pokémon Go, citing security concerns.
Is the Pokémon anime banned anywhere? Yes, the Pokémon anime is banned in Saudi Arabia due to sensitive or harmful content, including religious teachings and gambling.
Why was the “Dennō Senshi Porygon” episode banned? The “Dennō Senshi Porygon” episode was banned worldwide (except Japan) because it caused seizures in hundreds of children due to rapidly flashing lights.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to play Pokémon Go? Using a VPN to play Pokémon Go is not inherently illegal, but Niantic may ban accounts that violate their terms of service, including using VPNs to spoof locations.
Why are there no PokéStops in Chernobyl? While there were reports of PokéStops in Chernobyl, it is likely these were generated through automated processes. Niantic doesn’t officially support Pokémon Go in areas deemed unsafe, although it has a number of Gyms and Pokestops in the area.
Why was Pokemon Green banned? Pokemon Green was not banned, but never saw an International release due to the initial version having several problems that were fixed in Pokemon Blue.
Why was Pokemon banned in Egypt? In 2001, Nasr Fareed, Egypt’s then grand mufti, banned the Pokemon franchise, saying it promoted Charles Darwin’s controversial theory of evolution.
Are there region-exclusive Pokémon? Yes, there are several region-exclusive Pokémon that can only be found in specific parts of the world.
What are some examples of region-exclusive Pokemon? Pachirisu, Chatot, Carnivine, Tropius, Volbeat and Illumise, Lunatone and Solrock, Torkoal, Seviper and Zangoose.
Is Pokémon more popular in Japan than in other countries? Yes, Pokémon is particularly popular in Japan, where it enjoys a broad appeal across all age groups.
Are video games usually banned in Japan? Video games are rarely banned in Japan, and it holds the place as one of the top video game producers in the world. However, for some games, usually western, they may edit or censor their games if they appear offensive to Japan; an example being the Japanese release of Fallout 3.

The Future of Pokémon and Global Regulations

The Pokémon franchise, including Pokémon Go, continually evolves. As technology advances and cultural perspectives shift, the regulatory landscape surrounding Pokémon will likely continue to change. Niantic, as the developer of Pokémon Go, faces the challenge of balancing global accessibility with respecting local laws and cultural sensitivities. Finding a balance will be crucial for ensuring the long-term success and acceptance of Pokémon worldwide. To learn more about the intersection of games and culture, visit GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society studies the impact of gaming on human behavior and society as a whole. By understanding the evolving regulatory environment, we can better appreciate the complex relationship between entertainment, technology, and global culture.