The authors of Genshin Impact were forced to ban selling lootboxes to children and fined $20 million dollars

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 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 FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director, Samuel Levin, emphasized that companies employing manipulative "dark patterns" to deceive players, especially children and teens, will face repercussions.

Meanwhile, HoYoverse's Zenless Zone Zero continues its mobile market success. The game achieved a record-breaking $8.6 million in daily player spending on mobile platforms following the release of its version 1.4 update, "And the Starfall Came." This surpasses its previous peak from 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—fueled increased player spending.