When we talk about the culture war, people tend to think of one specific version, encapsulated in a single word:woke. But not everything in the culture war is this way. Sometimes, it is a matter of winning hearts and minds. While some culture war issues are drawn very clearly down political lines, others are more universal:Genshin Impactseems to be part of that second group.
That’s why, when the FTC recently announced that it ruled “Genshin Impact deceived children, teens, and other players into spending hundreds of dollars on prizes they stood little chance of winning” while fining parent company Cognosphere $20 million, many were outraged. The fans, who in theory were protected and defended by this ruling, felt it was a grossly unfair assessment, pointing out that there was no deception as the odds were already available in-game.
For balance, it is worth pointing out that MiHoyo (the division of Cognosphere that develops Genshin Impact and similar gacha titles) claims “many of the FTC’s allegations are inaccurate”, andreleased a full statement to that effect. It will, however, follow the changes to warnings required in the ruling.
Genshin Impact’s Monetisation Is Not Unique
In this war, I am a centrist (and now I need a bath). Both sides are correct. Genshin, like all gacha games, is clearly built on the rush of gambling - I stuck with Genshin Impact through its launch and first two expansions, andalways enjoy my time when I go back, so I appreciate that it’s a good game under the surface. But most of its fans would admit a large reason they get a thrill from the game is the rush of a good pull. It’s like betting on a sport you like - sure, you enjoy watching it, but it matters more when there’s money on it.
At the same time, Genshin Impact is very upfront about this identity. It does indeed advertise its odds in game, its pity rates are well known, and the game is free to download and makes it perfectly possible, if not optimum, to never spend a dime. The currency can be confusing too, but never to the point that it’s dishonest about where and when you can inject real cash into the game.
It’s also not the first game to have a system like this - while it was the first major gacha title to breakthrough into the mainstream, loot boxes and Ultimate Team both predate Genshin Impact with an incredibly similar system.
I’m less interested in who is right or wrong because the case has been decided, and I struggle to find it within myself to side with a corporation making money over an independent body overseeing regulations against underage gambling. I don’t know enough about the specifics of the case, and as a lapsed player, lack the expertise in Genshin Impact to evaluate how deceptive it may or may not be. I’m also surprised thatZenless Zen ZeroandHonkai: Star Raildo not appear part of this equation, despite the three games sharing a similar monetisation system.
Fans Are Firmly On Genshin Impact’s Side
What I care about is who the public thinks is right or wrong. Fines sting, but it is the public perception that drives the success of these games. We’ve all seen this change over time in gaming - those of us old enough to remember theOblivionhorse armour debacle can attest to that. If you’re aware of the story broadly, thatBethesdaaddedcosmetics for horses to Oblivion and was met with outrage, it might shock you to learn the price being charged back in 2006 was a paltry $2.50. Now we haveskins selling for the price of a full gamein what is considered an outlier within acceptable limits.
If the FTC had ruled that the infamousStar Wars Battlefront 2locking of Darth Vader behind loot boxes and grinding warranted a $20 million fine, there would have been widespread support. Even today, millions playPokemon TCG Pocketwhileadmitting its monetisation is outrageously predatory. There’s not one player engaged with any of theUltimate Team/MyTeamgame modes across sports titles who believes they are fair. Not so with Genshin Impact.
It may be that Genshin simply is fairer than other games, fairer than the FTC ruling suggests, but it’s fascinating that the position of the general public has become ‘we like gambling in our games now’ - which may have coincided with a major rise in betting in the United States since general restrictions were lifted in 2018.
It’s a sign that Genshin Impact has won over its playerbase on a deeper level than those mired in FOMO and sunk costs, Stockholm syndromed into opening packs for all eternity. Regardless of how correct the FTC may be in its assessment, it seems fans disagree. That could be a much bigger deal than the fine itself.
