Blizzard just announced that they will be removing paid loot boxes and loot chests in Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm for players located in Belgium.
Back in April, the Belgian Ministry of Justice concluded that Overwatch’s paid loot boxes are considered as gambling under their local law. The Belgian Gaming Commission then published a report on this.
“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,” Vaneras, a Community Manager at Blizzard wrote.
“As a result, we have no choice but to implement measures that will prevent Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm players located in Belgium from purchasing in-game loot boxes and loot chests with real money and gems,” Vaneras continued.
Despite the removal of loot boxes and loot chests, Blizzard still wants to make sure all Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm players around the world will still be able to experience the games in the best way possible.
Although players located in Belgium will not be able to get paid loot boxes and loot chests in the near future, they can still earn them by playing matches, as well as still get access to all in-game content.
Vaneras concluded that the measures “will be implemented shortly,” and that Blizzard is still open for more discussions with the Belgian Ministry of Justice and the Belgian Gaming Commission.
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