The popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game Pokémon Unite is all set to close its doors to both mobile and Switch players located in Belgium and the Netherlands, as announced by their official X handle.
As per the post, The game from The Pokémon Company and developers TiMi will stop the sale of Aeos Gems and Subscriptions from October 31, 2024, while it will go completely out of commission on November 30, 2025.
So, players situated in Belgium and the Netherlands at the time of this announcement have around a year and a month to continue playing Pokémon Unite after registrations end.
While neither the post on X nor the official notice on Pokémon Unite reveals any more details, it is widely speculated that the move comes courtesy of the stringent rules and regulations regarding loot boxes and gacha mechanics in Belgium and the Netherlands.
These terms refer to the spending of in-game currency to gain useful items. Often, this in-game currency cannot be obtained through regular gameplay.
Additionally, Pokémon skins in Unite obtained through mechanics like Prize Machine call for a hefty investment of Aeos Gems and consequently, real money, giving rise to the gambling aspect (with real currency).
One of the core aspects of Unite is the purchase of skins for various Pokémon up for grabs in the game. The uncertainty associated with the rewards in many of these purchases is likened to gambling, an entity frowned upon by the law in Belgium and the Netherlands.
In the past, prominent games like EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) have faced the brunt of the loot box laws in these two countries.
That said, keep in mind that neither The Pokemon Company nor TiMi has given any official record about the Belgian and Dutch loot box laws being the reason for Pokemon Unite meeting this fate.
Why Are Belgium and the Netherlands Cracking Down on Loot Boxes?
The regulations are a result of the countries' concerns about the potential for loot boxes to encourage problem gambling, especially among children. Loot boxes are often seen as a form of gambling, as players are essentially spending real money on the chance of getting something desirable. The regulations are designed to protect players, particularly young ones, from the risks associated with loot box mechanics.
Is This the End of Loot Boxes in Games?
The closure of Pokémon Unite in Belgium and the Netherlands may be a sign of things to come. As more countries around the world take steps to regulate loot boxes, it is possible that we will see more games being pulled from certain regions, or that game developers will be forced to change the way they design their games.
What Does This Mean for Pokémon Unite Players in Belgium and the Netherlands?
Players in these regions will have until November 30, 2025, to enjoy Pokémon Unite. After that date, the game will no longer be available to download and play. Players will also be unable to purchase in-game items, including Aeos Gems and subscriptions, after October 31, 2024.
The End of an Era: Pokemon Unite's Departure
The news of Pokémon Unite's departure from Belgium and the Netherlands has come as a shock to many players. It is a reminder that the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and that what is legal and acceptable in one region may not be in another. It is also a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks associated with loot boxes and other forms of in-game purchases.
While the official reason for the game's closure remains unconfirmed, the timing and the speculation around the stringent loot box regulations suggest that the decision is likely related to these rules. Only time will tell what the future holds for Pokémon Unite and other games that feature similar mechanics in other parts of the world.
