The monster-catching mobile game, Pokémon Go, has found international success since its release last year. However, the Niantic-developed app has to yet to be made available in China, a region which boasts the largest smartphone and online gaming market - and that doesn't look to be changing anytime soon.
According to Reuters, China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has decided to block the release of Pokémon Go and apps which utilise similar AR functionality. Due to "a high level of responsibility to national security and the safety of people's lives and property," the organisation is to work closely with additional government departments to evaluate the risks of the location-based mobile game before deciding whether to license it.
Relying heavily on Google's Map services, which are blocked in China, the app poses a threat "to geographical information security" and "to transport and the personal safety of consumers." Due to these concerns of public safety, it is unlikely Pokémon Go will receive a Chinese release in the foreseeable future.