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.
Why is Pokémon Unite pulling the plug in Belgium & the Netherlands?
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.
