9 Video Games Banned For Ridiculous Reasons
7. Pokémon Banned In Saudi Arabia For Gambling And Zionism
Does anyone still play Pokémon Go? Yes, it can get tedious and really the Poké-Stops are the best feature, especially for finding lesser known points of interest.
Most of the criticism directed at Pokémon Go was over how just how absorbing was. People walked off cliffs or got into car accidents all because they needed that Jynx, there and then (this is a joke. No-one ever needs Jynx).
So though you may not be surprised to learn it was banned, what if we said it was because it promotes gambling and a Zionist agenda? That's a real curveball. +100 EXP.
In 2016, Saudi Arabia issued a fatwa (a pretty serious edict) against playing the game. Ignoring for a moment that Pokémon revolves around forcing animals to fight one another, Pokémon Go wasn't actually the first time a fatwa was ordered against the franchise - rather it was a renewal to remind people how evil pocket monsters are.
The issue was initially focused on the Pokémon trading cards in 2001. The image that allegedly promotes Zionism is the white normal energy symbol, a six pointed star vaguely reminiscent of the Star of David.
What edicts the Saudi royal family decides to issue is up to them - different strokes and all - but Pokémon promoting gambling? Give us a pikaclue.