Children Loot Box Ban: Genshin Impact Creators Fined $20M

Cognosphere, the US publisher of Genshin Impact, has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement includes a $20 million penalty and a ban on in-app purchases by children under 16 without parental consent. Cognosphere pleaded guilty to FTC charges of deceptive practices, including misleading players about the value and probability of obtaining rare in-game items, and violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC alleges Cognosphere's actions tricked players, especially children and teens, into spending significant sums on items with low acquisition odds.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levin emphasized that companies employing deceptive "dark patterns" to mislead players, particularly minors, will face repercussions.

Meanwhile, HoYoverse's Zenless Zone Zero continues its mobile market success. 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 previous peak in July 2024. AppMagic data reveals Zenless Zone Zero has amassed over $265 million in mobile revenue. Update 1.4's additions—new characters (Hoshimi Miyabi and Asaba Harumasa), locations, game modes, and enhanced mechanics—contributed to increased player spending.