Pokémon Unite is shutting down in Belgium and the Netherlands next year

by Danny Craig · 10/1/24, 12:10 PM
Pokémon Unite is shutting down in Belgium and the Netherlands next year
The Pokémon Company

It has been announced that free-to-play MOBA Pokémon Unite will be discontinued in Belgium and the Netherlands in November 2025, potentially due to tighter loot box restrictions in those countries.

The details:

  • The Pokémon Company announced that the TiMi Studios-developed MOBA will be shutting down in the regions on November 30, 2025, for both mobile devices and Nintendo Switch. However, subscription and in-game item sales will cease much earlier, on October 31, 2024. "Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to end service for Pokémon UNITE in Belgium and the Netherlands from November 30, 2025,” The Pokémon Company wrote. "We'd like to thank our players in Belgium and Netherlands for their support, and we apologise for any inconvenience."

  • While the reason for the shutdown has not been revealed, it is thought to be related to tighter restrictions on in-game loot boxes in the regions. Unite has a loot box mechanic known as the "Prize Machine," which allows players to pay in-game currency in exchange for a random cosmetic item, with the currency itself available for real money.

  • In Belgium, selling loot boxes to players is illegal as the system breaches its gambling laws, while the Netherlands is still working to ban the controversial mechanic. The laws were created in response to growing concern about children and vulnerable adults being exposed to gambling through video games, which could lead to financial and psychological issues. Due to regulations, Activision Blizzard was forced to cancel the release of Diablo Immortal in the territories, while EA's FIFA and Sports FC titles have disabled the ability to purchase Ultimate Team packs.

More gaming news:

Latest News