Pokemon Unite is shutting down in Belgium and Netherlands next year

The mobile and Switch MOBA, Pokemon Unite, is shutting down next year in Belgium and Netherlands. Nintendo’s are planning to dash the ability to purchase Aeos Gems and Subscriptions this month.

Over on Unite’s blog, the plan was revealed, though, it’s unclear what forced its hand to do so. As pointed out by Insider Gaming, it could have to do with the laws surrounding loot boxes in both Belgium and Netherlands.

People are unhappy about the decision, especially if it was loot boxes that broke the camel’s back. A large chunk, if not nearly its entire fanbase, believe the team should dash the loot boxes. Now, it is possible that the game simply doesn’t have as much traction in those regions to warrant support, but that’s just passive Devil’s Advocate stuff right there and it’s more likely related to the laws.

In-game item purchases are available in the affected countries until October 31. The game will likely run fairly normal until the game officially shutters in the countries on November 30.

Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger Editor-in-Chief

Gabe has been a gamer since he was young, playing games like Pajama Sam, Freddi Fish, Guitar Hero, and whatever looked cool on GameFly. Ever since 2018, he's been infatuated with the inner workings of the gaming and entertainment industries, covering a wide range of topics from video games to TV and film. Starting as a contributor for PSX Extreme, he's worked his way up to its Managing Editor. Using what's he learned over the years, he founded Smash Jump to remind everyone to smash jump.