Games

Genshin Impact adds Transparent Pricing and Age Verification for U.S. players following FTC settlement

BBG News

Story Highlights

  • HoYoverse has agreed to pay $20 million fine and to block children under 16 from making in-game purchases without parental consent.
  • Genshin Impact will implement age verification for NA servers starting from the 20th of May, 2025
  • Full breakdown of pricing of obtaining in-game characters and weapons are given in the banners as of Version 5.6

In light of the Genshin Impact FTC settlement, HoYoverse has introduced a comprehensive overhaul in its Version 5.6 update, offering unparalleled transparency on its North American server. The changes include clear pricing for in-game transactions and the announcement of a legally binding age verification system for all U.S.-based players.

Earlier this January of 2025, a $20 million settlement with the FTC garnered attention, but it’s now within the game environment where the real consequences are being experienced. Genshin Impact found itself at the center of accusations regarding the improper handling of children’s data and deception about the actual cost of acquiring valuable characters and items for players.

Hoyoverse Updates Item Pricing as per FTC Settlement back in January 2025General
byu/Draconicplayer inGenshin_Impact

Instead of merely emphasizing the monetary fine, HoYoverse has made noticeable efforts to restructure the way the game operates within the U.S. market.

Transparency of in-game currency and pricing has been implemented as of Genshin Impact Version 5.6

Starting from Version 5.6, players will now have a clear understanding of the potential monetary investment required to acquire a highly desired 5-star character, thanks to the game’s gacha system. The displayed banners suggest that the overall likelihood of drawing a 5-star event-specific character/weapon is approximately 1.1%, with costs varying from as low as $1.98 to a maximum of $475.20, depending on your luck and chosen purchasing method.

Making this change aims to alleviate ongoing questions within the community regarding the transparency of gacha systems, offering players a more straightforward grasp of potential financial obligations they could incur.

Age Verification process will roll out starting from May 20th, 2025

HoYoverse has started implementing a necessary age confirmation process for all U.S. user accounts as of now. By May 20, 2025, current users will be asked to validate their age when they log in, while newcomers will need to do this during the registration process.

By July 18, 2025, all players are required to complete the verification process to avoid account suspension. Suspension may lead to loss of access to in-game friends and chat history. If not verified by July 20, 2026, all related personal data will be permanently erased.

The latest updates have elicited a broad spectrum of responses. Many commend the increased transparency, contending it enhances users’ comprehension of the actual worth of their transactions, especially for those who spend frequently. Additionally, some point out that it may discourage impulsive buying or excessive spending, particularly in individuals with addictive shopping habits or weak self-discipline.

As a dedicated admirer, I’ve noticed some voices expressing skepticism about the recent changes, claiming they are merely cosmetic and don’t address the core issues like ongoing monetization strategies or the persistence of high character prices. However, as someone who appreciates transparency, I can’t help but feel a sense of hope that even small steps towards openness could potentially lead to more substantial changes down the line.

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2025-05-07 13:46

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