October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Genshin Impact Developer to Pay $20 Million in Proposed FTC Settlement

The FTC announced a proposed $20 million settlement with Genshin Impact’s U.S. HoYoverse entities, including purchase-consent protections for children and clearer loot-box pricing and odds disclosures.
WorldProposed FTC Settlement Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Federal Trade Commission announced on January 17, 2025, that Cognosphere Pte. Ltd. and Cognosphere LLC, which do business in the United States as HoYoverse, agreed to a $20 million civil penalty and proposed changes to Genshin Impact’s loot-box purchases and disclosures. The agreement was announced as a proposed settlement: the FTC’s allegations have not been established as court findings, and the proposed order says the companies neither admit nor deny them.

What the FTC alleged about Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is free to download and play, but the FTC complaint said its revenue primarily came from virtual currency used to buy “Wishes,” the game’s chance-based prizes. Players could buy currency bundles, exchange currency through multiple tiers, and then use it to open a Wish. The FTC alleged that this process obscured how much real money players were spending and what they might need to spend to obtain particular prizes. FTC announcement; FTC complaint

The complaint also alleged that Event Banners and influencer campaigns gave players misleading impressions about their chances of receiving featured five-star prizes. In the complaint, the FTC said Genshin Impact had more than 120 million downloads worldwide since launch and had grossed more than $4 billion from in-game digital content. Those are figures stated in the 2025 complaint, not independently verified current totals. FTC complaint

The agency’s complaint further alleged that the companies collected personal information from children under 13 without the parental notice and consent required by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). It said the information included identifiers and persistent device-related identifiers shared with analytics firms and advertisers. These are allegations in the complaint, not admissions by the companies. FTC complaint

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the proposed settlement would change

The proposed order addresses both how players buy loot boxes and what they are told about purchases. Its key terms would:

#1 Best Overall
Genshin Impact Merch Gift Set-Bag Stickers for Anime Genshin Impact Fans
  • Genshin Impact Gift Set: package included 1 pack drawstring bag, 50 Pcs Cartoon Stickers of no-repeat stickers, 1 pack lanyard, 2 pack keychains, 2 pack bracelets, 4 pack button pins, 3 pack Tattoo Stickers for Genshin Impact fans.
  • Genshin Impact Drawstring Bag's size is 15*12.6 inches; Genshin Impact lanyard's size is 17*1 inches(L*W); Genshin Impact stickers' size is 8.5*6.5 inches, the sticker is nice decoration for your laptop/luggage/skateboard etc.
  • 2pcs Genshin Impact bracelets with 2 colors, The bracelet can be adjusted; 4pcs Genshin Impact button pins can be used on your bag/t-shirt/jacket/guitar strap and anywhere else you would like, 2.36 inches in diameter.
  • 3Pcs Genshin Impact Tattoo Stickers of no-repeat, 2 pack of different keychains.
  • If you have any problem, pls contact with us, we promise solve for you within 24h.
  • Bar loot-box purchases by children under 16 without a parent’s affirmative express consent.
  • Require a direct real-money purchase option when loot boxes are sold through virtual currency.
  • Prohibit misrepresentations about loot-box odds, prices, or features, and require disclosures of odds and the exchange rates for multi-tiered virtual currency.
  • Require deletion of personal information previously collected from children under 13 unless parental consent is obtained to retain it, and require compliance with COPPA’s notice and consent requirements.

The FTC’s consumer advice describes the game’s purchases as a “confusing loot box system that costs players a LOT of money,” and explains loot boxes as virtual mystery boxes that may or may not contain the desired item. FTC consumer advice

Why the settlement has two different age thresholds

The under-16 threshold applies to consent for loot-box purchases under the proposed settlement. The under-13 threshold concerns children’s privacy and COPPA protections. They address different issues; the under-16 purchase provision does not replace or change COPPA’s privacy threshold. FTC announcement; FTC consumer advice

Rank #2
60PCS TCG Deck Cards,55PCS Ultra Rare Card and 5Pcs Random UTR with Gilded
  • Size : 60 PCS cards in one box. 55Pcs UR and 5Pcs UTR Card Which with Gilded text Size of: 8.8*6.3 cm /3.5*2.5 in
  • Playable Characters and Weapons: These cards showcase a wide array of playable characters, each with their own distinct abilities, personalities, and stories.
  • Best Collectibles: meticulously crafted world, replete with captivating characters and breathtaking landscapes, offers an immersive and collectible-worthy experience, Value-for-money card combinations are a must for collection!
  • Perfect Gift For Boys &Girls: Cards transcend gender boundaries, making them an ideal gift for both boys and girls. With their visually striking designs and engaging gameplay elements, these cards serve as an excellent choice for family gatherings, fostering joy, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments during game nights that appeal to everyone.
  • Upgraded Quality: These TCG cards are meticulously fashioned from premium materials, ensuring a tactile and durable experience. The rarest cards boast a lustrous sheen, while the high-definition printing guarantees vivid clarity, allowing every card to shine brilliantly and showcase intricate details that truly come to life. If you have any questions about the product, please feel free to contact us.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Were the allegations proven, and is the order in effect?

No court finding or admission is established by the announcement. The FTC said the Department of Justice filed the complaint and stipulated order after the Commission referred the matter. The FTC case page lists the complaint, stipulation, reasons for settlement, and proposed order dated January 17, 2025; the proposed stipulated order says the defendants neither admit nor deny the allegations. The materials cited here do not establish a later date when a court entered the order, so they do not establish that the proposed terms took effect on a particular date. FTC case page; Proposed order

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Samuel Levine, then Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said: “Genshin Impact deceived children, teens, and other players into spending hundreds of dollars on prizes they stood little chance of winning.” That statement reflects the agency’s characterization of its allegations, not a finding admitted by the defendants. FTC announcement

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Genshin Impact Merch Gift Set-Bag Stickers for Anime Genshin Impact Fans
Genshin Impact Merch Gift Set-Bag Stickers for Anime Genshin Impact Fans
3Pcs Genshin Impact Tattoo Stickers of no-repeat, 2 pack of different keychains.; If you have any problem, pls contact with us, we promise solve for you within 24h.
$19.99
Bestseller No. 5
UTIEHD 7 Pack Genshin Impact Vision Keychain, Anime Keyring, for Collection and Genshin Fans (7pcs)
UTIEHD 7 Pack Genshin Impact Vision Keychain, Anime Keyring, for Collection and Genshin Fans (7pcs)
Suitable for anime party decorations, Halloween, Christmas, graduation and birthday gifts.
Best Value
UTIEHD 7 Pack Genshin Impact Vision Keychain, Anime Keyring, for Collection and Genshin Fans (7pcs)
  • This keychain set includes 7 different keychains, each representing one of the 7 elements in the popular video game Genshin Impact.
  • The keychain frames are made of high-quality zinc alloy, while the vision is crafted from durable glass.
  • Suitable for anime party decorations, Halloween, Christmas, graduation and birthday gifts.
  • Our Genshin Impact vision Keychain set is the perfect accessory for fans of the game and collectors alike. Each keychain is intricately designed to showcase the unique element it represents, making it a great conversation starter and a must-have for any Genshin Impact enthusiast.
  • Whether you're looking to add to your personal collection or gift it to a fellow Genshin Impact fan, our vision Keychain set is sure to impress.
Rank #3
UTIEHD Bracelet 7 Pack, Luminous Vision Bracelets Glow in Dark for Collection
  • Complete Element Set - This 7-piece bracelet collection features all elemental designs. Perfect for fans who want to represent every elemental power.
  • Customizable Fit - The adjustable drawstring closure ensures a perfect fit for any wrist size (adjusts from 7 to 9.5 inches). Each elemental charm measures 0.71 inches in diameter for balanced visibility.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Feature - These intricately designed bracelets absorb sunlight to create a magical glow at night, making them eye-catching day or night.
  • Premium Materials - Crafted with durable woven leather cords and alloy/glass gem charms that maintain their luster through daily wear.
  • Ideal Gift Choice - Whether you're shopping for friends who love anime accessories, or treating yourself, this elemental set makes a memorable gift that stands out from ordinary jewelry.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.