In Belgium, three mobile games from Square Enix were banned at once

Three Square Enix mobile titles are about to be blocked in Belgium. The reason is the presence of loot boxes in these games.

Which games will be blocked and when

• Mobius Final Fantasy — November 30;
• Kingdom Hearts Union X — December 6;
• Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia — December 19.

Mobius Final FantasyHow Belgium explained its decision

In their letters to the publisher of the above-mentioned titles, the Belgian authorities declared the “dubious legal status” of the loot boxes contained in all three games. Virtual boxes with random loot are recognized in Belgium as gambling mechanics that run counter to gambling legislation. Its violators in this country may face a prison term of up to 5 years.

How did it all start

Belgium banned loot boxes in April of this year, and since then, many developers and publishers have faced a situation identical to the ban on Square Enix mobile games.

So, Blizzard, Valve and 2K were forced to withdraw loot boxes from the Belgian versions of their games. ArenaNet removed gems from Guild Wars 2 (virtual currency that can be bought for real). But Electronic Arts refused to remove the boxes from FIFA 18, saying that they have nothing to do with gambling. And now the Belgian prosecutor’s office is conducting a police investigation against the publisher. He can be heavily fined — 800 thousand euros.

Also on the topic:

• Guild Wars 2 developers have blocked the purchase of in-game currency in BelgiumBelgium may fine EA and Valve 800 thousand euros for violating the gambling law
• Blizzard will remove the sale of loot boxes from Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm in Belgium
• Source: PocketGamer.biz