Genshin impact, one of the most popular games in the role-playing and adventure genre, is at the center of controversy after a rigorous review by the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This body has imposed on HoYoverse, the company behind the game, a fine of 20 million dollars after investigating its practices related to lootboxes. The decision also includes a series of restrictions on the use of these monetization mechanics in the US market.
The FTC investigation began last year, focusing on allegations that HoYoverse improperly collected personal information from minors and maintained non-transparent practices regarding the probabilities and costs associated with lootboxes, key elements in the game's gacha business model. This model allows players to acquire items and characters through lotteries whose acquisition is based on probabilities.
A key agreement to change the rules of the game
After months of analysis and negotiations, The FTC has reached a settlement with HoYoverse that includes several drastic provisions. Among them, the following stands out: Ban on selling lootboxes to minors under 16 without parental consentThe company must also guarantee the Deletion of any personal data collected from children under the age of 13, thus reinforcing its compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
In addition, the company will have to introduce new age verification systems for younger players. These changes, according to the FTC, seek to prevent the influence of monetization systems considered unfair on children and adolescents, who are most vulnerable to impulsive gambling tactics.
Transparency in lootboxes: a fundamental requirement
Another relevant point of the agreement is the obligation to reveal the exact odds of lootbox prizesThe move is intended to provide players with greater transparency when deciding whether to spend real money to obtain in-game characters or weapons. HoYoverse will also be required to detail conversion rates for its virtual currency, Genshin Crystals, so that consumers clearly understand the financial cost of each transaction.
The resolution also includes compensation for American players who have attempted to obtain high-value items within the gacha system. Although The exact details of this compensation are still unclear., the measure is expected to have a positive impact on consumer confidence.
Mixed reactions and opinions
As expected, this decision has generated a wide debate in the gaming community. While Some players applaud the FTC's intervention as a necessary step toward regulating lootboxes, others question whether fair standards are being applied to HoYoverse compared to other international companies.
A HoYoverse spokesperson issued a statement to the press stating: “While we do not agree with all of the allegations, we have decided to accept this settlement because we deeply value the trust of our community and want to remain transparent with our users.».
On the other hand, on social media, reactions have ranged from support for this regulatory measure to criticism of it as an alleged political maneuver against a Chinese company. Players have also pointed out that Other companies with similar mechanics, such as EA and Valve, do not seem to face the same level of scrutiny..
This controversy not only puts Genshin Impact's gacha system in the spotlight, but also opens the debate on the global regulation of practices such as lootboxes, which some countries already consider equivalent to gambling.
The FTC's decision certainly sets a precedent in the video game industry. Although Fines may seem like a symbolic measure for large companies, new demands on transparency and child protection could redefine the way developers structure their business models in the future.