The latest update for Rocket League released today has removed the ability to open loot boxes, or crates, with keys within the game for players in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The new change was found in the patch notes for the 1.61 update, explicitly stating that players from the two regions “can no longer open Crates with Keys due to government regulations.” The crates can still be opened with Decryptors, which can be earned in-game during special events or the Rocket Pass.
Last year, Belgium ruled that loot boxes in video games were a form of gambling and therefore illegal, citing FIFA 18, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch as examples. Valve disabled Counter-Strike: Global Offensive cases in Belgium and the Netherlands months after the ruling, followed by Blizzard’s Overwatch, and Electronic Arts ceasing the sale of FIFA Points last January.
While keys cannot be used to open crates in the two regions, they can still be bought since they are required to purchase the premium upgrade for Rocket League’s Rocket Pass. Developer Psyonix also announced in the patch notes that the Rocket Pass 3 will begin tomorrow, April 17 at 1 p.m. ET.
With the update, the Rocket Pass will now contain challenges that will unlock tiers in the pass when completed in addition to earning XP. The update also added an Esports Shop where players can directly purchase cosmetic items, as well as HDR support for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, and Xbox One S.
