In a tale as old as time, the publisher of the beloved game Genshin Impact finds itself entangled in a web of controversy and strife. The Federal Trade Commission, in its infinite wisdom, has decreed that a fine of $20 million must be paid, and stricter protection measures for children must be implemented. Alas, the FTC accused Genshin Impact of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and luring innocent children with the siren call of gambling-like loot boxes.
The complaint paints a damning picture of HoYoverse, also known as Cognosphere, seeking out influencers from the realms of Minecraft and Roblox to ensnare a young audience. The marketing scheme included a cast of “child-like” heroes in the game’s “Cute Force” ad, designed to tug at the heartstrings of innocent youngsters.
While HoYoverse has begrudgingly accepted the fine levied against them, they maintain that the FTC’s accusations are but baseless fabrications. Nevertheless, significant changes are on the horizon. A new restriction will bar anyone under the age of 16 from making purchases without parental consent, and loot boxes will now be available for direct purchase with real currency, with the odds displayed in all their unadulterated truth.
As the sword of justice swings, HoYoverse faces the mandate to expunge any personal information tied to children under 13, unless a parent grants permission for its retention. Such are the decrees of the FTC, a ruthless enforcer of digital justice in this vast cyber-landscape.
The once-free-flowing rivers of microtransactions have led Genshin Impact to amass over $5 billion in revenue, a staggering sum by any measure. The FTC’s press release sheds light on the intricate dance of deception played by such games, as they manipulate players into spending exorbitant amounts on loot boxes, all in pursuit of elusive prizes.
This saga echoes tales of old, where giants like Epic Games faced similar showdowns over Fortnite’s mechanics. The FTC’s watchful eye now turns towards safeguarding the innocence of children, shielding them from the predatory allure of loot box sales tactics. As the curtain falls on this chapter, only time will tell what further battles lie ahead in the digital realm.
