Cognosphere, the US publisher of Genshin Impact, has agreed to a $20 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement includes a guilty plea to FTC charges alleging deceptive practices and violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC accused Cognosphere of misleading players, particularly children and teens, about the value of in-game purchases and the odds of obtaining rare items, leading to significant, often unexpected, spending. As part of the settlement, Cognosphere will also prohibit in-game purchases by minors under 16 without parental consent. FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levin emphasized that companies using deceptive “dark patterns” to mislead players, especially children, will face consequences.
Meanwhile, HoYoverse's other mobile title, Zenless Zone Zero, continues to thrive. The game recently saw a surge in player spending, reaching a record $8.6 million per day on mobile platforms alone following the release of version 1.4, "And the Starfall Came." This surpasses even the game's initial peak in July 2024. AppMagic data shows Zenless Zone Zero has already generated over $265 million in mobile revenue. Update 1.4, featuring new agents like Hoshimi Miyabi and Asaba Harumasa, along with expanded locations, game modes, and improved mechanics, is credited with driving this increased spending.
