Genshin Impact Fined $20M for Unlawful Lootbox Sales

Cognosphere, the US publisher of Genshin Impact, has pleaded guilty to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges and agreed to a $20 million settlement. The FTC accused Cognosphere of deceptive practices, including misleading players about the value of in-game purchases and the odds of obtaining rare items, thereby violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The settlement also includes restrictions on in-app purchases by minors under 16 without parental consent. FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levin emphasized that companies employing manipulative "dark patterns" to deceive players, especially children, will face repercussions.

Meanwhile, HoYoverse's Zenless Zone Zero continues its mobile market dominance. Following the release of version 1.4, "And the Starfall Came," the game reached a record daily player spending of $8.6 million on mobile platforms alone, surpassing its July 2024 peak. AppMagic data reveals Zenless Zone Zero has accumulated over $265 million in mobile revenue. Update 1.4's additions – new characters (Hoshimi Miyabi and Asaba Harumasa), locations, game modes, and enhanced mechanics – fueled increased player spending.