Genshin Impact Developer Cognosphere to Pay $20 Million and Block Loot Boxes for Children Under 16

Jan 17, 2025, 08:46 PM

Cognosphere, the developer of the popular video game Genshin Impact, has agreed to pay a $20 million fine as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement addresses allegations that the company misled players regarding the costs associated with in-game purchases and violated children's privacy laws by allowing minors under the age of 16 to make purchases without parental consent. As part of the agreement, Cognosphere will also implement measures to prevent children from accessing loot boxes without permission. The FTC stated that Genshin Impact deceived players, particularly children and teens, into spending large sums on in-game prizes with low chances of winning.