Genshin Impact Gacha Display Issues: FTC Fine Case Analysis & Impact
What's Wrong with Genshin's Gacha Display? — The Hidden Side of "Wishes"
The Trap Hidden in Wish Display Methods
Genshin Impact's "Wishes" (gacha system) may appear simple on the surface, but it actually contains complex mechanisms. Players must first purchase in-game currency (Primogems) with real money, then convert those Primogems into gacha items (Acquaint Fates/Intertwined Fates) before finally making wishes. In essence, the system is designed to obscure how much real money players are actually spending.
This "multi-tier conversion system" is confusing enough to make even Paimon scratch her head. From the player's perspective, the real money cost per gacha pull becomes unclear, leading to situations where players realize they've spent thousands of dollars without fully understanding how it happened.
Real Money → Primogems → Intertwined Fates/Acquaint Fates → Gacha
The problem is further compounded by the extremely low drop rates and how they're presented. Genshin's highest rarity (5-star) characters and weapons have approximately 0.6% drop rates, but the game emphasizes the pity system with displays like "X pulls until 5-star guaranteed," creating an illusion that the rewards are within reach.
The FTC Investigation and Fine
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigated HoYoverse's practices and found several concerning issues:
- Misleading display of actual costs through currency conversion
- Inadequate protection for minor players
- Unclear probability disclosures
- Aggressive monetization targeting vulnerable players
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Regulatory Changes Worldwide
The FTC case against Genshin Impact has sparked discussions about gacha regulation worldwide. Several countries are now considering stricter laws regarding:
- Transparent cost display requirements
- Enhanced minor protection measures
- Mandatory probability disclosure standards
- Spending limit implementations
HoYoverse's Response
Following the investigation, HoYoverse has implemented several changes:
- Clearer cost displays showing real money equivalents
- Enhanced parental controls
- More prominent probability disclosures
- Spending tracking and warning systems
What This Means for Players
Better Transparency
The regulatory pressure has led to improved transparency in gacha games. Players can now:
- See real money costs more clearly
- Access detailed probability information
- Set spending limits more easily
- Better understand the true cost of gacha pulls
Advice for Players
- Always calculate real money costs before pulling
- Set strict monthly spending limits
- Use parental controls if you're a minor
- Understand that gacha is essentially gambling
- Never spend money you can't afford to lose
Conclusion
The FTC case against Genshin Impact represents a turning point in gacha game regulation. While the game remains popular and profitable, the increased scrutiny has led to better player protections and transparency.
As players, it's important to stay informed about these changes and always practice responsible spending when engaging with gacha systems.