- 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 response to Genshin Impact FTC settlement, HoYoverse rolled out a sweeping update in its Version 5.6 patch that brings unprecedented transparency to its NA server. The update includes visible pricing for in-game purchases and an announcement of a legally mandated age verification system for all players based in the United States.
While the $20 million settlement with the FTC made headlines earlier this January of 2025, the real impact is now being felt in-game. Genshin Impact faced allegations of mishandling children’s data and misleading players about the cost of obtaining high-value characters and items.
But rather than focusing solely on the financial penalty, the HoYoverse has taken visible steps to reshape how the game will function in the U.S. market.
Transparency of in-game currency and pricing has been implemented as of Genshin Impact Version 5.6
As of Version 5.6, players can now clearly see the monetary range it might take to obtain a coveted 5-star character through the game’s gacha system. According to the banners, the consolidated probability of pulling a 5-star event-exclusive character/weapon is just over 1.1%, with costs ranging anywhere from $1.98 to $475.20 depending on luck and purchase method.
This move answers long-standing community concerns about the transparent nature of gacha mechanics and provides players with a much clearer understanding of the financial commitment they might be making.
Age Verification process will roll out starting from May 20th, 2025
In addition, HoYoverse has begun rolling out a mandatory age verification system for all U.S.-based accounts. Starting May 20, 2025, existing users will be prompted to confirm their age upon logging in. Additionally, new players must verify their age at registration.
All players must complete verification by July 18, 2025, or risk account suspension. Suspended accounts will lose access to in-game friends and chat history. If left unverified by July 20, 2026, all associated personal data will be permanently deleted.
The recent changes have sparked a wide range of reactions. Many praised the transparency, arguing that it helps users, especially spenders, better understand the real-world value of their purchases. Some highlighted that it could deter impulse buying or overspending, particularly among players with addictive tendencies or poor self-control.
Although some criticized the change as superficial, suggesting that transparency doesn’t change the underlying monetization practices or the fact that spending hundreds of dollars for characters is still common
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What are your thoughts about how the Genshin Impact FTC settlement initiations with the transparent pricing and age verification? Do let us know in the comments below!
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