Why is Pokémon UNITE Disappearing in Belgium and the Netherlands?

Implementation of Regulations on Lootboxes

Lootboxes, also known as "treasure chests," have become a hot topic in the world of video games. These systems, which allow players to purchase virtual chests containing random items, are criticized for their resemblance to gambling mechanisms. This controversial practice has raised concerns among numerous regulators, worrying about the impact on young players, particularly due to the risks of addiction and uncontrolled spending.

In 2023, Belgium and the Netherlands made the radical decision to ban lootboxes, considering that they fostered addictive behaviors similar to gambling.

In this context, Pokémon UNITE, launched in 2021 on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, finds itself sidelined. The game offers players cosmetics and other bonuses via a feature called "Prize Machine," a sort of disguised lootbox that requires an investment of real money to obtain random items.

This economic model could have led to the game's exclusion in these two countries, although this hypothesis has not been officially confirmed by The Pokémon Company.

Pokémon UNITE: A Mixed Success for a Controversial Economic Model

Pokémon UNITE debuted with great fanfare in 2021, proposing a new approach to the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre. In other words, the game offers strategic battles featuring Pokémon in an arena.

The game initially drew the attention of many Pokémon and competitive gaming fans, thanks to its accessible gameplay, as well as being free to play.

However, its economic model, based on microtransactions, quickly attracted criticism. In Pokémon UNITE, Æos Gems allow players to acquire various cosmetic items, as well as in-game bonuses. This system was acceptable to many players, but the presence of a lootbox model via the "Prize Machine" made certain items inaccessible without spending a significant amount of real money.
With stricter regulations imposed by the Belgian and Dutch governments, it is possible that these restrictions made it impossible to continue operating Pokémon UNITE in these countries, forcing the developers to fully withdraw.

A Difficult Goodbye for Players in Belgium and the Netherlands

The decision to close Pokémon UNITE services in these two countries is a major blow for Belgian and Dutch players who actively participated in competitions and online events.

With the closure announced for November 30, 2025, players have a bit more than a year to enjoy the game before it becomes completely inaccessible. Meanwhile, starting October 31, 2024, they will no longer be able to purchase new items or subscriptions, a date marking the end of microtransactions in these two countries.
It is thus advised that players use their remaining resources before the final closure, as after this date, all transactions, including Æos Gems, will be blocked.

What is the Future for Games Using Lootboxes?

The closure of Pokémon UNITE in Belgium and the Netherlands raises broader questions about the future of games with lootboxes or other similar monetization systems.
If regulators continue to tighten laws against these practices, other online games may face similar bans in different countries. Eventually, this could push developers to reevaluate their monetization strategies to avoid these restrictions, particularly in free-to-play games.

For now, Belgian and Dutch players will have to say goodbye to Æos Island and the strategic battles that entertained them for several years.