TiMi Studios Announces Closure of Pokémon UNITE Services in Belgium and the Netherlands: A Call for Reevaluation

Article by: Shivam

Message from INGAGE’s Director @INGAGE_Zenith

Pokémon Unite is a game and an opportunity for many communities globally to be involved in for the first time. Unlike VGC, Pokémon Unite offers the chance for high level competition for even those that do not have access to a Nintendo switch. It is thus one of the most inclusive games for all Pokemon fans. It is disappointing that both the communities in the Netherlands and Belgium have been excluded from this opportunity and this game. This is not a fault of the communities and gamers from those regions, it is wrong to exclude them.

Pokémon has a brand image that is supported by millions from every region, this is the first step to ruining that image.

On September 27, 2024, TiMi Studios made a significant announcement regarding Pokémon UNITE, revealing that services for the game would end on November 30, 2025, in Belgium and the Netherlands. This decision affects all platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. However, the reasoning behind this decision remains unclear, as TiMi Studios has not provided an official explanation.

Pokemon UNITE’s Decision: https://unite.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/notice-of-termination/

The player community, however, believes the closure is linked to the strict legislation in Belgium and the Netherlands concerning loot boxes and gacha mechanics, which are prohibited under their laws. Despite this, it is important to note that these countries do not impose an outright ban on games containing such mechanics. Rather, they require game developers to adapt their games to comply with local laws, including the removal or modification of any elements involving chance-based purchases.

This nuance has led many within the gaming community to urge TiMi Studios to reconsider its decision. Players argue that by simply removing or disabling any gacha mechanics that require monetary transactions, Pokémon UNITE could remain operational in Belgium and the Netherlands. For instance, the sale of Aeos Gems and Subscriptions, which are not associated with chance-based outcomes, could continue without violating local laws. By making these adjustments, TiMi Studios could maintain its revenue stream from these territories while ensuring compliance with their legal requirements.

In alignment with this decision, TiMi Studios will end the purchase of Aeos Gems and Subscriptions on October 31, 2024, further reinforcing the possibility of an imminent shutdown. However, this has sparked a wave of discontent from Belgian and Dutch players who have invested both time and money into the game. Many players feel that a simple adjustment to the game’s mechanics would prevent them from losing access to a game that has been available in these countries for the past three years.

The emotional connection of players to Pokémon UNITE goes beyond mere gameplay. Many players have cultivated friendships and communities through the game, forming bonds that they are now at risk of losing. This sense of attachment, coupled with the significant financial investments made by some players, adds urgency to the community’s plea for reconsideration.

In response to the announcement, UNITE-DB and other community leaders have rallied together to support a petition aimed at reversing the decision to close the game’s services in Belgium and the Netherlands. The petition emphasizes that TiMi Studios and its publisher, Tencent, could honor the Belgian and Dutch Pokémon UNITE community by taking the necessary steps to modify the game, thereby allowing players in these regions to continue enjoying it.

For those who wish to support the cause, the petition can be accessed here: Cancel the Closure of Pokémon UNITE in Belgium and the Netherlands: https://www.change.org/p/cancel-the-closure-of-pokémon-unite-in-belgium-and-the-netherlands

The Pokémon UNITE community now eagerly awaits a response from TiMi Studios, hoping that a solution will be found that allows the game to remain accessible in Belgium and the Netherlands.