Pokemon Game Shutting Down for Some Players on November 30

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The game Pokemon Unite will cease its server operation in Belgium and Netherlands starting from November 30, marking an end to the game’s support for players residing in these regions permanently. Although the specific cause remains undisclosed, there are strong indications as to why the popular game is parting ways with its fanbase in these areas.

Previously, The Pokemon Company and Nintendo have closed down some of their mobile games before, such as Pokemon Duel and Pokemon Rumble Rush. These games experienced difficulties on a global scale, leading to their discontinuation. However, it seems that the closure of Pokemon Unite in Belgium and the Netherlands is due to an entirely distinct reason.

Pokemon Unite to Shut Down in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30

In Belgium and the Netherlands, both countries have been at the forefront of implementing laws restricting gacha mechanics and loot boxes in video games. This appears to be the primary cause for the shutdowns of Pokemon Unite servers on November 30 in these regions. These nations claim that certain random number generator (RNG) based microtransactions in games might breach their anti-gambling laws, triggering new regulations that require developers to eliminate such elements. Instead of conforming to these guidelines, it seems that Pokemon Unite opted to turn off its servers, possibly due to the importance of those microtransactions to its financial viability. Additionally, it’s important to mention that the ban applies to all versions of the game on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch platforms.

Regrettably, the player count for Pokemon Unite has witnessed a significant surge lately, which might be attributed to the inclusion of Mega Evolved Pokemon. By August, the game boasted 8 million players across iOS and Android devices, representing approximately a 130% increase from May 2025 (as reported by ActivePlayer.io). Unfortunately, gamers residing in Belgium and the Netherlands are left with two options: employing workarounds such as VPNs to continue playing or forfeiting their accounts along with all their accumulated collectibles and bought items. Moreover, potential new players from these regions will encounter challenges when attempting to create an account due to the game’s impending removal from all digital marketplaces.

Fans in affected areas are concerned they might miss out on accumulating points for the Pokemon World Championships, as others believe it’s unfair that the game developer is rendering Pokemon Unite unplayable, thus confiscating all purchased items. This discontent has been mounting since October 2024, when in-app transactions were halted and players were advised to spend their remaining credits before the shutdown on November 30, 2025. As the deadline nears, there is still uncertainty about whether the developer will offer any viable solutions for fans in these regions to safeguard their game progress.

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2025-09-03 15:04