What Is A Gacha Game?

Gacha Games: Introduction

You might have heard the word "gacha" used to describe a variety of mobile
games. But what does it actually mean? Is it a style, a method of payment, or a
component of the game?
The word "gacha" originates from Japan, where a "gachapon" is a common toy
vending machine that dispenses plastic capsules holding toys in exchange for a
small fee. When you turn the knob on a gachapon, the experience isn't just about
the toy you're winning; it's also about the sounds and lights that the machine
produces. Games are now attempting to realistically replicate the psychologically
addicting experience of using and collecting from a gachapon (producing that
dopamine spike). The most famous Gacha Games are Genshin Impact, Azure
Lane, Gacha Neon, Another Eden etc.
What is Monetization In Gacha Games?
Games with monetization relate to techniques that game designers use to persuade
you to spend your money on virtual goods like costumes, equipment, weapons, and
characters. After using up all of your in-game resources, players may consider
paying real money for premium products or even subscription services/deals from a
shop, effectively increasing the gaming company's revenue stream.

Gacha games are frequently commercialised, however contrary to popular belief the
two concepts are not incompatible. As an illustration, the gacha system in
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is used to earn Blades, however the game is not monetized
and players must only utilise in-game methods to obtain the gacha currency.
What Makes A Game Considered Gacha?
A game is considered gacha if it has a mechanism in place that enables you
to win an in-game item through a draw. Due to the lottery-based nature of its
contents, loot box games fall within the gacha category. As long as there are
gacha mechanics, any game can be categorised as gacha, but you should be
aware that it could not always be the main focus of some games.

Gacha games also have a points system that restricts your advancement. The
number of actions you can complete each day is limited unless you pay for
point refreshes (or top-ups), which could use up valuable resources.