#PokémonUniteShuttingDowninBelgiumandtheNetherlands

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Pokémon Unite Shutting Down in Belgium and the Netherlands

Pokémon Unite Shutting Down in Belgium and the Netherlands due to compliance

The Pokémon Company has announced that they will be terminating service for their popular MOBA title, Pokémon Unite, in both Belgium and the Netherlands. The decision comes amidst growing challenges related to regulatory compliance within these regions. Starting October 31st, 2024, players in Belgium and the Netherlands will no longer be able to register new accounts, renew their memberships, or purchase premium currency within the game. Pokémon Unite will continue to function normally until November 30th, 2025, giving affected players just over a year to enjoy the game before its official shutdown in these territories. This move is part of a broader trend for The Pokémon Company, as other titles such as Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon TCG Pocket are similarly unavailable in these countries. Although no official reason was given for Pokémon Unite’s discontinuation, it is widely believed that Belgium and the Netherlands’ stringent anti-loot box regulations played a key role in this decision. Both countries have imposed some of the strictest regulations on games containing loot boxes, classifying them as a form of gambling. These laws make it challenging for developers to implement in-game mechanics involving randomised rewards without risking legal repercussions.

Impact on Players and the Community The shutdown news has left many Belgian and Dutch players disappointed, as Pokémon Unite has cultivated a loyal and competitive community in the region since its launch. While players will still have access to the game for over a year, the inability to make new purchases or renew memberships will affect gameplay progression and the acquisition of premium items. Players who have invested in premium currency are advised to use up any remaining balance before the final closure date in 2025, as refunds will not be provided once services end. Pokémon and Regulatory Compliance Challenges This isn’t the first time The Pokémon Company has faced challenges in Belgium and the Netherlands. Both Pokémon Masters EX, a popular mobile game with gacha mechanics, and Pokémon TCG Pocket, which features randomised booster packs, are already unavailable in these markets due to similar compliance issues. While the anti-loot box laws aim to protect consumers—especially minors—from spending money on games of chance, it has also led to the removal of several prominent titles from these regions, limiting player choice. The Pokémon Company has yet to announce any plans for adjusting Pokémon Unite’s mechanics to meet these regulatory standards, suggesting that a full withdrawal is a more feasible option for the company. What’s Next for Pokémon Unite? For now, players in Belgium and the Netherlands can continue enjoying Pokémon Unite until November 2025. However, the community will likely see reduced support and engagement from the developers, who will be winding down operations in these markets over the coming months. It’s uncertain whether Pokémon Unite’s shutdown in Belgium and the Netherlands will impact other regions with similar regulations, but it highlights the ongoing struggle between game developers and international regulatory bodies regarding loot boxes and randomised in-game purchases. Stay tuned for more updates on this story as new information becomes available. Read the full article