Pokémon UNITE will officially cease operations in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30, 2025, with all in-game sales of Aeos Gems and Unite Club membership renewals ending by October 31, 2024.
This announcement was made via an in-game notification, where The Pokémon Company expressed its gratitude to players in these regions while explaining the difficult decision to discontinue server support.
Reasons Behind the Shutdown
While an official reason hasn’t been provided, the likely cause stems from Belgium and Netherlands laws prohibiting loot boxes or any mechanics involving random elements that resemble gambling. This has affected several other games with gacha or loot box systems, including Pokémon UNITE.
Pokémon UNITE has increasingly incorporated mechanics that function like a gacha system, particularly for cosmetic items, which poses legal challenges in regions with strict anti-gambling laws. Pokémon Masters EX and the upcoming Pokémon TCG Pocket are also banned in these regions due to similar regulations.
What This Means for Players
After October 31, 2024, players in Belgium and the Netherlands will no longer be able to purchase Aeos Gems or renew their Unite Club memberships. Players will still have access to their existing Aeos Gems, but without the ability to buy new content, it will become much harder for them to unlock new Pokémon, cosmetics, or in-game items.
Despite the game continuing to receive updates in other regions, players in these countries will be heavily restricted in terms of content and progression. It essentially leaves the game unplayable for those who rely on in-game purchases to advance.
There has been no information released about compensation or refunds for players who may have purchased items they will no longer be able to access. Players will either have to continue playing in a very limited capacity or move to a different region where Pokémon UNITE is still supported.
Impact on Competitive Play
The future of competitive Pokémon UNITE for players in Belgium and the Netherlands is uncertain. With the game ending service in these countries, it could complicate their ability to compete in events like the World Championships.
Players may still participate if they can access the game in other regions, but this decision adds a layer of difficulty for those looking to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
This development is disappointing for Pokémon UNITE players in Belgium and the Netherlands, but it highlights the broader issue of gacha mechanics and loot box regulations in these regions.
As gaming companies continue to adapt to these legal challenges, more titles may face similar restrictions unless alternative monetization models are adopted.
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