Psyonix’s Rocket League no longer has loot-boxes that require keys in Belgium and the Netherlands. This means folks in those countries can’t open them like before. Rocket League joins FIFA Ultimate Team, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that will no longer flaunt loot-boxes in Belgium and the Netherlands since it’s considered illegal gambling.
On April 16th, 2019, the official Rocket League update log featured a bevy amount of bulleted changes, which adds and alters both gameplay and non-gameplay mechanics. However, one header reads “Crates and Keys” and reveals the following information:
- Crate drop rates can now be viewed in-game on the Crate Preview Screen.
- Players in Belgium can no longer open Crates with Keys due to government regulations.
- Players in the Netherlands can no longer open Crates with Keys due to government regulations.
Belgian and the Netherlands’ laws impact practices considered illegal gambling. Additionally, in 2018, the Belgian Gaming Commission noted that loot-boxes are gambling since players must interactive with a game and offer up money for a (random) chance to get something that’s “better or worse.”
Something interesting to think over is, what if more countries followed suit and enforced existing (and new laws) like Belgium and the Netherlands regarding loot-boxes? I know greedy companies will find another method to nickel and dime consumers, but seeing how the spat between Electronic Arts and Belgium almost escalated to the courtroom over FIFA Ultimate Team’s design, it would be a sight to behold.
From the sounds of it, both Belgium and the Netherlands players will still get Decryptors through some form of a giveaway (through Rocket Pass), which are like keys.
It’s worth noting that Decryptors can only be acquired during special events and through the Rocket Pass. This means that if you want to get some loot-boxes in Belgium, or the Netherlands you must wait or cough up money for said pass.
Anyway, the game that released back in 2015 is currently available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.
