Games

Survey reveals 1 in 5 young Japanese gamers struggle financially due to gacha spending

BBG News

Story Highlights

Over the years, expenditure on games has risen significantly, reaching a point where some individuals find themselves facing difficulties meeting their basic living costs. A recent study suggests that the pursuit of virtual prizes is impacting actual wallets, and it’s been estimated that almost 20% of gamers in Japan are experiencing financial strain as a result.

Nearly a quarter said they regretted spending money on in-game purchases

A study conducted by SMBC Consumer Finance and reported by Automaton Media has provided insights into how Japanese adults under 30 spend their money on video games. The research, carried out with a sample of 1,000 individuals aged between 20 and 29 in February 2025, examined various lifestyle costs, including expenditures on gaming content.

One intriguing finding was that nearly one out of five young individuals acknowledged overspending on gacha games to the extent that they struggled to meet their basic expenses. Additionally, around a quarter of these individuals expressed remorse for the money they spent on in-game purchases.

Data indicates an increasing trend towards paying for game advantages, as approximately 1 out of every 5 participants admitted to being ready to spend money to advance faster in games. Interestingly, there was a more significant increase among male players compared to the previous year.

It’s worth noting that about one-fifth (20.8%) of the participants admitted that they wouldn’t fully appreciate the game without making purchases. While women historically have spent less compared to men, both genders are showing an equivalent rise in their spending tendencies.

The rising trend in gaming addiction calls for government regulation

It’s truly alarming when gaming takes precedence over crucial aspects of life such as paying rent or buying food. It’s not just a problem among teenagers, though. I recall reporting on an extraordinary incident last year about a 31-year-old man from Japan who squandered his grandmother’s $250,000 savings on a mobile MMORPG.

I’ve come to realize that my gaming habit isn’t just a fleeting interest; it reveals the profound grip that compulsive spending can have, transcending age boundaries. It’s alarming to see that approximately 20% of young Japanese gamers grapple with financial difficulties due to excessive gacha spending. Clearly, we need a shift in this situation.

Perhaps Japan could learn from China’s approach, as they have begun implementing rules to limit excessive in-game spending. It’s possible that at some stage, governments may find it necessary to intervene, not only for the protection of children and adolescents, but also for adults.

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2025-04-16 07:11

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