Fake Pokemon App Is The Dumbest Thing To Ever Happen To The App Store


A fake, completely unofficial and totally illegal port of Pokemon popped up on the iTunes App Store the other day, even reaching the height of #2 in Top Paid apps. The problem? IT DOESN’T EVEN WORK.

That’s just the first part of it. If you want to dig deeper, this is further proof on how Apple’s app reviewing process still hasn’t figured itself out yet. It’s been three years, Apple. Come on. Here’s a telltale sign that the Pokemon app was going to cause problems: it wasn’t even made by Nintendo but instead some guy named Daniel Burford. I’m pretty sure if Nintendo ever decides to release games for iOS, the whole world will know about it, and it’ll definitely be made by Nintendo. So if a ridiculously popular game is made by Mister Joe Random App Developer, that probably means it’s not the real deal. Don’t let it in. Simple.

OK, maybe Apple missed the part that this Pokemon port wasn’t made by Nintendo. MAYBE. Whatever. But did they really miss the fact that THE APP DOESN’T EVEN WORK? Kif, our intrepid intern, dived in and bought the app only to realise the app just crashes every time you start it (don’t worry, we paid him back!). And 1500 reviews in the App Store say the exact same thing. The app doesn’t work. The app is a scam. This isn’t real. I want my dollar back. I could’ve bought chicken nuggets. And so on and so on. Apps that don’t work? Don’t let it in. Simple.

And finally! People who have downloaded this app (you’re in this boat too Kif), we need to talk. I know what you were thinking. Pokemon! Pikachu! Dollar? Buy. And I know that the app was only a dollar but next time, read the reviews on how an app works before you send this fake arse, illegal port of Pokemon all the way to #2 in the Top Paids list. Congratulations Kif and friends! You’ve just paid for Joe Random App Developer’s cash bath. If the reviews for an app point to overwhelming sucktitude? Don’t buy it. Simple. [iTunes via Ars Technica]


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