A recent interview with Diablo Immortal executive producer Peiwen Yao confirms that the game will not be available in certain regions.

The announcement of Diablo Immortal sparked significant controversy when the mobile version of Blizzard’s iconic RPG was first unveiled during BlizzCon 2018. The franchise hasn’t released a new main-series game since Diablo 3 five years ago, and many fans were disappointed that a mobile version was announced instead of a Diablo 4 reveal. Now, with the worldwide release of Diablo Immortal just days away, a recent report suggests that the controversial mobile game will not be released in all regions.

Blizzard has been sharing more information about Diablo Immortal, which is set to launch on June 2, in the weeks leading up to the release.

Last month, Blizzard revealed at an event focused on Diablo Immortal that the game would be coming to PC, with the open beta for the PC version launching on the day of the mobile release. Despite initial reservations, playtesters were reportedly optimistic about the Diablo mobile game ahead of its release. But now, it seems that the game’s global release will miss Belgium and the Netherlands.

A recent interview with Diablo Immortal executive producer Peiwen Yao confirms that the highly anticipated mobile game will not be available in Belgium and the Netherlands at launch due to the countries’ laws on loot boxes.

Both Belgium and the Netherlands have strict laws on loot boxes in video games, as the countries’ legal systems consider random objects to be a form of gambling. Government agencies’ growing aversion to loot boxes has hit other franchises, particularly FIFA Ultimate Team mode.

In addition to the Belgian and Dutch government regulations, loot boxes have also come under considerable criticism from within the gaming community as random premium options become more common. Popular creators and streamers, such as Asmongold, have strongly criticised the inclusion of loot boxes in games. Significant studies have also shown a link between loot boxes and underage problem gambling, which has led to criticism from several governmental organisations worldwide, and games and companies have come under fire regularly.

While Diablo Immortal has come under fire again, the mobile game’s release comes at a time when fans are still wondering when Diablo 4 will be released. Blizzard has been slowly trickling out updates on the upcoming sequel, detailing changes to the game’s dungeon system and showcasing the revamped Paragon system, but no official release date has been set for Diablo 4.

Source: Comicbook.com