You may have heard the term “gacha” thrown around to categorize many mobile games. But what does that mean exactly? Is it a genre, a payment model, or a gameplay element? Please remove the meaning.
The term “gacha” dates back to Japan. “Gachapon” is a popular vending machine in Japan For a few yen you can spit out a plastic capsule containing a toy. Toys aren’t the only things you can get by twisting the Gachapon knob. Machine sounds and lights are also a big part of the experience. Collecting using Gachapon truly encapsulates a psychologically addictive experience (creating a dopamine hit).
What is monetization?
monetization It refers to the conversion of all forms of owned assets into cash and is often adopted as a business model for companies looking to generate revenue.
A game with monetization refers to the way game developers add ways to invite people to spend resources on virtual assets such as cosmetics, gear, weapons, and characters. People may purchase premium items and subscription services/deals from the shop for real money, effectively adding to the game company’s revenue stream.
Gacha games are often monetized, but the terms are not mutually exclusive. For example, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 uses a gacha system to earn blades, but it is not monetized. Gacha currency can only be earned in-game.
What makes a game considered Gacha?
A game is considered a gacha if it has a system that allows players to win in-game assets through a raffle. Since the contents are also lottery, games with loot boxes are also gacha. Any game can be labeled as gacha as long as it has gacha mechanics, but be aware that gacha isn’t always the focus in some titles.
Another feature of gacha games is the point system that limits your progress. There is a cap on the number of actions you can take per day unless you pay to renew (or replenish) your points which can consume valuable resources.
Is gacha a genre of game?
Gacha is not a genre, it’s just a mechanism. However, games that focus on gacha may be referred to as “gacha games.” Often these games lock behind progressions that require better weapons, units, cards and equipment. So companies that power creep in favor of stronger weapons, units, cards, and gear force players to keep up with the latest. Gacha. By definition, these games are pay-to-win and can be considered the most predatory form of gacha.
Are gachas considered gambling?
the answer is not black and white Whether gacha is considered gamblingIt boils down to process and experience. The experience is very similar to gambling, with an emphasis on sights and sounds that makes the whole experience psychologically addicting, much like playing slots in a casino. , there is an argument that you can’t lose the gacha roll because you always get a prize at the end. It may not be the prize you want.
A few years ago, when “comp gacha” was legalized in Japan, gacha games were even worse. , was basically the process of using gachas to smash larger gachas. Still, due to serious concerns and lack of protection from the gacha system, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency had to take action and ban the practice.
The company now introduces a pity system (fixed number of spins/pulls/draws) for top prizes to ensure there is a limit to the amount of randomization that controls the overall gacha experience. , ensuring that the practice is a little closer to the consumer. -More friendly than typical gambling.
How can you tell the difference between a monetized free-to-play game and a gacha game?
It’s no secret that almost all free games are monetized. Otherwise, how will the company profit from the game? The easiest and most reliable way to add monetization is through the gacha mechanism. That’s why most people refer to F2P (free to play) games as gacha games (games that mainly focus on gacha mechanisms for game progress). However, not all free games use gacha for monetization.
A popular example is Pokémon GO. It is a monetization F2P that does not include the gacha mechanism. Basically, you need PokéCoins to access items in the shop such as the incubator, Pokémon storage, bag upgrades, etc. You can grind PokéCoins by sending your Pokémon to your local gym, but PokéCoins can easily be purchased with real money. Since Pokémon GO is essentially a collecting game, you’ll feel the pressure to pay for increased Pokémon and item space. Niantic makes money off of it.
A final difference between regular F2P games and gacha is whether there is a time gate in the daily in-game progression. Gacha games often employ an energy/stamina system to limit the number of times you can play in modes that earn experience points, gear, items, and upgrade materials per day. This mechanic does not exist in his normal F2P games, and he can cut any content to his heart’s content.
to play gacha or not
It’s always important to know what the game is about before spending time on it. When your game goes completely pay-to-win, it’s a recipe for disaster and you won’t notice the game until mid-to-late (see Diablo Immortal and its aggressive monetization) . Once you know the game is F2P, what is the monetization strategy behind the game? Is it important to you? Is there? Always make an informed decision before jumping into these games. Thank you later.
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