Pokémon UNITE to exit select European regions in 2025

[KeyboardKitty]

 

The Pokémon Company recently made an unexpected announcement that has left fans in Belgium and the Netherlands reeling: Pokémon UNITE, the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, will cease operations in these countries by November 30, 2025. This news, revealed on September 27, 2024, has sparked concern among the gaming community, leaving many players wondering about the future of their beloved Pokémon-themed MOBA.

While the company has remained silent on the specific reasons for this move, many industry experts point to the strict regulations on loot boxes and gacha mechanics in Belgium and the Netherlands as the likely cause. These regulations have posed significant challenges for game developers, resulting in the withdrawal of numerous popular titles from these markets. Pokémon UNITE's exit seems to be another casualty of these ongoing legal restrictions.

 

As the November 2025 service shutdown approaches, players in both countries are facing a bittersweet countdown. Starting October 31, 2024, in-game purchases—including the coveted Aeos Gems and subscriptions—will be discontinued, giving players one last opportunity to enjoy the game and spend their remaining in-game items before servers officially go offline. After November 30, 2025, Pokémon UNITE will no longer be available for download on mobile devices or Nintendo Switch in these regions.

 

This decision marks a significant loss for the gaming communities in Belgium and the Netherlands. Since its debut in 2021, Pokémon UNITE has carved out a unique space by blending strategic gameplay with beloved Pokémon characters, quickly building a loyal fanbase. Now, players are left to ponder what's next. Will other Pokémon titles face a similar fate? 

Despite the game's impending departure from Belgium and the Netherlands, Pokémon UNITE continues to thrive in other parts of the world, with regular updates and fresh content keeping the game vibrant. However, the situation raises important questions about the broader gaming ecosystem in regions with stringent regulations. Will developers adapt their models to comply, or will more games be forced to follow Pokémon UNITE's exit?

 

• https://gamerant.com/pokemon-unite-shutting-down-where-why/
• https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/pokemon-unite-ending-service-in-select-european-markets-next-year
• https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-unite-service-will-end-in-2-european-countries/

 

Image: Wachiwit | Dreamstime.com