Genshin Impact Implements Age Verification in US Following FTC Settlement Over Loot Boxes
Genshin Impact players in the United States will soon face a new requirement: age verification. This change stems from a settlement between developer HoYoverse and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the game's controversial "gacha" mechanics, often referred to as loot boxes.
The settlement, amounting to $20 million, aims to protect younger players from potentially deceptive practices related to in-game purchases. The FTC alleged that HoYoverse misled players, particularly children, about the odds of acquiring rare characters and used confusing purchase systems. The company was also accused of illegally targeting children and collecting their data.
According to announcements, the age verification process will roll out starting May 20, 2025. Players will be required to provide their age during login or account creation. The deadline to verify age is July 18, 2025. Failure to do so will result in account suspension, deletion of in-game friends and chat records, and cessation of further notifications, as stipulated by law.
While this doesn't prevent children under 16 from playing Genshin Impact, it will restrict their ability to independently purchase loot boxes for a chance to unlock coveted characters. These gacha mechanics have drawn criticism for their resemblance to gambling, particularly concerning their impact on young players. One source notes that obtaining a specific promoted character through the game’s gacha system could cost a player upwards of $400 if they were extremely unlucky.
The FTC's action against HoYoverse isn't an isolated incident. The commission has been cracking down on what it calls "dark patterns," tactics used by game developers to encourage excessive in-game spending. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, also reached a significant settlement with the FTC and even refunded some players.
As part of the settlement, HoYoverse is required to implement several changes beyond age verification. These include providing players with the option to purchase loot boxes directly with real money, disclosing accurate loot box odds and currency exchange rates, and deleting personal information collected from children under 13 without parental consent.
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated that Genshin Impact "deceived children, teens, and other players into spending hundreds of dollars on prizes they stood little chance of winning." This highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the evolving landscape of online gaming and in-app purchases.
This move by HoYoverse underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding loot boxes and their potential impact on younger audiences. Will other game developers follow suit and implement similar age verification measures? What further regulations, if any, are needed to ensure fair and transparent practices within the gaming industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
