Hoyoverse, the publisher of the popular game Genshin Impact, has agreed to a $20 million settlement with the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement comes as a result of alleged violations involving the sale of loot boxes to teenagers. As part of the agreement, Hoyoverse will also be prohibited from offering loot boxes to minors moving forward, signaling a significant step in addressing controversial monetization practices in gaming.
Vero’s thoughts on the news:
The settlement represents a major moment for the gaming industry, particularly for discussions around ethical monetization. The loot box mechanism has long been criticized for being exploitative, especially toward younger audiences, often disguising gambling mechanics under the guise of entertainment. From a tech perspective, implementing transparent monetization strategies and age-appropriate access controls could boost long-term user trust. This case highlights the importance of building systems that respect both regulatory oversight and the values of the gaming community for sustainable growth.
Source: Genshin Impact Developer Agrees to $20M Fine Over Loot Box Violations – IGN
Hash: a9fd1b71daa5ee02612910e58ba3b2fc344e7fac11edbb653e16214ecc6ed34a
