Genshin Impact Lootbox Ban Nets $20M Fine

Cognosphere, the US publisher of Genshin Impact, has admitted to FTC charges and agreed to a $20 million settlement. The settlement includes a ban on in-app purchases by minors under 16 without parental consent. The FTC accused Cognosphere of deceptive practices, misleading players, particularly children, about the value and probability of obtaining rare in-game items, thus violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). FTC Director Samuel Levin emphasized that companies employing deceptive "dark patterns" will face repercussions for misleading players, especially minors.

Meanwhile, HoYoverse's Zenless Zone Zero continues its mobile market dominance. Version 1.4, "And the Starfall Came," achieved a record daily player spending of $8.6 million, surpassing its July 2024 launch peak. AppMagic data reveals over $265 million in total mobile revenue. The update's new content, including agents Hoshimi Miyabi and Asaba Harumasa, along with expanded locations and gameplay improvements, fueled increased player spending.