Forget Pokémon Go, Book Hunting Is Here

Out with the not-so-old, in with the not-so-new.

Belgians seem to be already getting fed up with Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) NTDOY Pokemon Go. Instead, Wallons and Flemings are out hunting books.

The surprising trend was started by a Belgian elementary school headmaster, Aveline Gregoire, who invented a Pokémon Go based game where the imaginary creatures have been replaced by books. The more realistic "treasure hunt" has attracted the attention of more than 54,000 users already, and can be played via Facebook Inc FB, joining a group called "Chasseurs de Livres."

Related Link: Will Pokémon Go Be An 'Enduring' Success?

As one might expect, the book-hunting game isn't as technologically developed as Pokemon Go, where a smartphone's GPS and camera are used to create an alternate reality where monsters can be caught. In the Belgian version, players hide books and then post hints pointing where others can find them. When a player finds a book, it can “catch” it, read it, and –is expected to- return it to “the wilderness.”

"While I was arranging my library, I realized I didn't have enough space for all my books. Having played Pokemon Go with my kids, I had the idea of releasing the books into nature," Gregoire told Reuters, adding that his daughter compared the game to Easter egg hunting. An app might be out some time in the future.

Posted In: NewsGlobalTechBook HuntingPokemonPokemon GoReuters
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