Release of Pokémon Go delayed in France following attack in Nice

The companies behind Pokémon Go have decided to delay releasing the game in France following the massacre in Nice last week.

Last Friday, the game became available in just about every country in Europe except France — despite the wild popularity of all things Pokémon in this country. Local press and blogs speculated over the weekend that the delay was due to the events in Nice.

Today, IGN France said it received a statement from the Pokémon Company, which is responsible for licensing the characters, that confirms those reports:

“As a sign of respect for the French people in this time of national mourning, the release of Pokémon GO is postponed. Our thoughts and prayers are with France and the victims affected by this terrible attack.”

There was also speculation that release of the game might be delayed for three months to reflect the French government’s three-month extension of the heightened state of security. But instead, it appears there’s a chance the game could be released later this week after the official period of national mourning ends, according to IGN.