Pokémon Unite will no longer be available for players in Belgium and the Netherlands starting November 2025, with in-game purchases ceasing on October 31, 2024. This decision by developer TiMi Studios stems from strict local regulations concerning loot boxes, which have been banned in Belgium since 2018 and implemented in the Netherlands in 2022. Pokémon Unite, a popular MOBA on platforms like Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch, utilizes a loot box system through Prize Machines, leading to its discontinuation in these regions.
Why is Pokémon Unite being discontinued in Belgium and the Netherlands?Pokémon Unite is facing discontinuation in these regions due to strict regulations that prohibit loot boxes, a category into which the game's Prize Machines fall.
Pokémon Unite has garnered attention as part of the Pokémon franchise, offering players a competitive MOBA experience. It combines elements familiar to fans, featuring various Pokémon characters and unique gameplay mechanics. The game's ongoing updates and events have kept the community engaged, but regulatory issues have impacted its availability in certain key markets, echoing similar challenges faced by other titles such as Diablo Immortal.
Alex Riverton
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Comments
It’s a bummer to see Pokémon Unite pulled from Belgium and the Netherlands, especially since it had built such a vibrant community. This really highlights the ongoing clash between gaming monetization practices and local regulations—something we’ll probably see more of as loot box debates continue to heat up.
It's a bummer to see Pokémon Unite getting the boot in Belgium and the Netherlands; those loot box regulations are really shaking things up in the gaming landscape This just highlights how developers need to navigate local laws, which can sometimes clash with popular gaming mechanics.
It's a real bummer to see Pokémon Unite get hit by stricter regulations; it seems like the fun is often collateral damage in the battle against loot boxes. This just goes to show how important it is for developers to navigate these tricky waters, or they risk losing major markets and dedicated fans.