Sberbank branches in Russia have been equipped with special in-game modules that attract Pokémon, as part of a strategy to target users of latest app craze Pokémon Go.

The modules will be active during office working hours and will allow players to catch Pokémon at a nearby branch. Pokémon Go is a mobile game based on real geolocations, asking players to explore their cities in order to catch little monsters.

After a spate of ‘screenwalking’ mishaps, the bank is also offering Pokémon Go players free accident insurance “so that players can concentrate on the game fully”. To activate the insurance, players must log in online and enter their nickname and mobile number.

Maxim Chernin, head of IC Sberbank life insurance, said: “As the biggest life insurance company in Russia, we feel our responsibility for the participants of Pokémon Go, the game that gains immense popularity now. Considering the number of news from around the world about players being injured while catching Pokémon, we created a special product that will be free for the players. It is also important for us that the product will help to raise the financial literacy of the population; while playing, the younger generation will be able to get acquainted with such financial tools as insurance.”

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