Niantic working on a fix as Pokemon Go June update can cause seizures

Pokemon Go’s flashing light issue: Health risks, Niantic’s response, and player safety tips

The Flashing Light Issue

The June 11 update to Pokemon Go (version 0.211.0) introduced unexpected visual changes that have raised significant health concerns among players. While the patch added new loading screens, moves, and badges, it also modified screen transition effects in ways that potentially endanger photosensitive individuals.

Multiple trainers reported that interacting with Pokemon in the overworld now triggers a bright white flash lasting approximately 2 seconds – significantly longer than previous versions’ split-second effect.

Reddit user SuddenHelicopter6604, who has epilepsy, detailed how the extended flash duration caused immediate physical discomfort: “After playing at night, I experienced nausea and warning signs of an impending seizure.” Their post on TheSilphRoad subreddit garnered over 200 responses, with many non-epileptic players also reporting headaches and migraine triggers.

Niantic’s Official Response

Following community outcry, Niantic swiftly acknowledged the accessibility issue. In a statement to Dexerto, developers confirmed: “We unintentionally altered screen transition timing in the latest update. Our team is prioritizing a corrective patch expected within days.”

This rapid response demonstrates Niantic’s commitment to player safety, though some community members question why such changes weren’t caught during quality assurance testing. The company has previously faced criticism for accessibility oversights in their AR games.

Player Safety Recommendations

While awaiting Niantic’s fix, players can take several precautions:

• Enable Dark Mode in both Pokemon Go and device settings
• Reduce screen brightness below 50% during gameplay
• Take frequent breaks (5 minutes every 30 minutes)
• Consider using blue light filtering apps
• Avoid playing in dark environments where flashes are more pronounced

Photosensitive players should consult the Epilepsy Foundation’s guidelines for gaming safety. Those experiencing symptoms should immediately stop playing and seek medical advice if necessary.

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