Genshin Impact Gacha Drama: $20M Fine & Teen Loot Box Ban!
Genshin Impact developer Cognosphere settles with the FTC for $20 million, banning gacha loot box sales to teens under 16 without consent. The FTC claims the company misled players about loot box costs and odds, comparing them to gambling. Cognosphere must now ensure parental consent for underage in-game purchases.
Hot Take:
Looks like Genshin Impact’s gacha loot boxes have finally “wished” themselves into trouble! With a $20 million settlement, Hoyoverse might need a new game plan—one that doesn’t involve teenagers emptying their piggy banks faster than you can say “parental consent.” Who knew that gaming could be this pricey, especially when the real jackpot is avoiding the FTC’s wrath?
Key Points:
- Genshin Impact developer, Cognosphere (Hoyoverse), settles for $20 million with FTC over gacha loot box practices.
- Loot boxes marketed to minors were allegedly misleading in cost and odds of winning.
- Hoyoverse is prohibited from selling loot boxes to teens under 16 without parental consent.
- Company must comply with COPPA rules, deleting data of users under 13.
- Loot boxes are often compared to gambling, raising addiction concerns.
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