Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Belgian Overwatch players can no longer buy loot boxes

Heroes of the Storm is affected with the decision, too.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

Overwatch players in Belgium are no longer able to buy loot boxes in-game. In April, the Belgian Gaming Commission declared that loot boxes are considered gambling under the country’s local law. The decision required video game developers to remove paid loot boxes from their games.

Recommended Videos

Blizzard posted on the Overwatch forum earlier today that it’s “implement[ing] measures” to prevent Belgian Overwatch players from purchasing loot boxes. A similar update will be issued “shortly” for Heroes of the Storm. Players in the country can no longer use real money to purchase Overwatch’s loot boxes and Heroes of the Storm’s loot chests, and will only be able to earn them through in-game progress.

Related: The Belgian Gaming Commission could criminally prosecute illegal loot boxes

“While we at Blizzard were surprised by this conclusion and do not share the same opinion, we have decided to comply with their interpretation of Belgian law,” a Blizzard spokesperson wrote on the Overwatch forum. “No matter what, we want to make sure that our players around the world have the best entertainment experience possible.”

All regular in-game content will continue to be available to Overwatch players in Belgium. The spokesperson noted that the measures will be implemented “shortly.” “We also remain open to further discussions with the Belgian Gaming Commission and Ministry of Justice on this topic,” the spokesperson wrote.

The Belgian Gaming Commission noted in a May report that “criminal prosecution” will be considered against games that do not heed the Belgian rules.

“We are going to take all prepatory measures for the drafting of police reports, but it’s not going to be tomorrow,” Belgian Gaming Commission director Peter Naessens told GamesIndustry.biz. “There is a certain amount of time for the minister of justice, but it’s not unlimited.”

Blizzard will not be targeted by criminal prosecutors in Belgium since it disabled paid loot boxes. The developer will likely continue to fight Belgium’s decision to ban loot boxes.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter is a reporter for Dot Esports. She lives in Massachusetts with her cat, Puppy, and dog, Major. She's a Zenyatta main who'd rather be playing D.Va.