Pokémon Unite, the popular free-to-play MOBA, will officially cease operations in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30, 2025, marking the end of the game’s availability in those regions. Initially launched in the summer of 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Unite later expanded to mobile devices. Despite being over three years old, the game remains supported with regular updates, continuing to add new content.
As a MOBA that allows players to control various Pokémon, Pokémon Unite’s primary appeal has been its ever-growing roster of playable characters. Recent updates introduced new Pokémon such as Armarouge, with more on the horizon. Darkrai is slated for release in October, while Psyduck will make its debut in November, adding to the game’s diverse lineup.
However, while Pokémon Unite continues to thrive globally, the sudden news of its shutdown in Belgium and the Netherlands has left some fans puzzled. The Pokémon Company has yet to offer an official reason for the decision, although players in these regions will have over a year to enjoy the game before it goes offline. Additionally, in-app purchases will be disabled on October 31, 2024, meaning players will no longer be able to buy Aeos Gems or other microtransactions after that date.
The company’s silence regarding the shutdown has fueled speculation. One prevailing theory points to the strict regulations surrounding in-game purchases, particularly loot boxes, in Belgium and the Netherlands. Both countries have implemented laws that classify certain microtransactions as gambling, which may have played a role in the decision to discontinue the game in these markets. Another possibility is that the game’s player base in these regions may not be large enough to justify ongoing support, though this is considered less likely given Pokémon Unite’s continued global updates.
While the reasoning behind the shutdown remains unclear, Pokémon fans in Belgium and the Netherlands still have some time to enjoy the game and upcoming updates. Whether the game’s future in these regions will change remains uncertain unless The Pokémon Company provides further clarification.
Key Dates:
- October 31, 2024: In-app purchases end.
- November 30, 2025: Game services will shut down in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Until then, the global Pokémon Unite community can look forward to more exciting updates, including the additions of Darkrai and Psyduck in the near future.
