The Best Game Blocker
FamiSafe lets parents control screen time, track real-time location and detect inappropriate content on kids' devices.
Gaming is no longer a pastime but a viable career option that earns you a sizeable fortune. In addition, you can play games across different devices, such as consoles, computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Furthermore, there are different genres in gaming, from educational to mobile gacha games.
If you do not know what mobile gacha games are, keep reading. The information explains what this game genre entails and examples of popular games you can access on your smartphone. In addition, you will discover how to ensure your child’s safety when they use their devices.
Part1. What is the meaning of Gacha?
Gacha is the Japanese term for a toy vending machine, but you can also use it to describe mobile games that promote microtransactions. Mobile gacha games encourage you to purchase in-game items to assist you through the levels and customize your character.
Typically, most gacha games are free-to-download and play across Android and iOS. However, the developer also runs promotions for exclusive in-game items and privileges. For example, you may receive prompts to buy extra lives once you run out of the free ones you receive when you start each turn.
In addition, the games use virtual currency that you can get as a playing reward or purchase using real-world currency. The concept became popular in Japan in early 2010 but has since gained global recognition from other gaming regions such as China, Korea, and other western countries.
Despite the rise in popularity of gacha games in recent years, you will still discover controversy around these games. The main issues that arise from game developers using the mechanism in their games are as follows:
Part2. Mobile gacha games are like gambling.
Although most of the games originate from Japan, the country has very strict gambling laws. In addition, the country’s Consumer Affairs agency has had a total ban on complete gacha since 2012. The reason for the ban is that this variation of the mechanism exploits your kid’s naivety to maximize profits.
There are many media reports of some children spending over $1,000 to buy in-game rewards. Furthermore, investigations reveal that complete gacha is unfair since developers make obtaining high-value rewards extremely difficult. Unlike other variations where your chances of earning these rewards increase with higher spending, complete gacha ignores this premise. Here I present you a crazy video of how gacha games work:
Following the ban, most developers now implement a fairer system called box gacha, where you can easily predict your chances of getting rare rewards. In addition, certain jurisdictions require the developers to state the win probability of reward challenges publicly.
Despite the rise in popularity of gacha games in recent years, you will still discover controversy around these games. The main issues that arise from game developers using the mechanism in their games are as follows:
Mobile gacha games are like gambling.
Although most of the games originate from Japan, the country has very strict gambling laws. In addition, the country’s Consumer Affairs agency has had a total ban on complete gacha since 2012. The reason for the ban is that this variation of the mechanism exploits your kid’s naivety to maximize profits.
There are many media reports of some children spending over $1,000 to buy in-game rewards. Furthermore, investigations reveal that complete gacha is unfair since developers make obtaining high-value rewards extremely difficult. Unlike other variations where your chances of earning these rewards increase with higher spending, complete gacha ignores this premise.
Following the ban, most developers now implement a fairer system called box gacha, where you can easily predict your chances of getting rare rewards. In addition, certain jurisdictions require the developers to state the win probability of reward challenges publicly.
Playing gacha games can be addictive.
According to a West Virginia Education Association study, teens in America are spending nine hours of their day in front of screens. Although not all of the time is spent on gacha games, it is still possible for some of them to suffer addiction issues. As such, they encourage parents to establish screen time controls as a preventive measure.
Some of the suggestions they put forward include using the built-in parental controls in mobile devices, which include auto power-off and content blocking functions. In addition, they recommend regular digital detoxification, which involves you spending quality time with your kids on non-technology activities such as outdoor games and hiking.
Part2. Examples of hot gacha games
Gacha games are available across multiple genres, including strategy, racing, and online role-playing games. Here are the most popular gacha games right now:
Game 1Genshin Impact
Definitely the most popular gacha game today. This role-playing game takes you on an action journey of the virtual world, Teyvat. You will battle at different venues in this open world and earn different rewards, such as new characters and weapons. The game is available on the following platforms:
• Mobile – Android and iOS
• Windows
• PS4 and PS5
Learn more about the game here: Is Genshin Impact safe for kids?
Game 2Raid: Shadow Legend
Raid: Shadow Legend is an online turn-based gacha game where you battle against other players using 5-member hero teams. In addition, you can earn in-game silver or buy the different reward packs to upgrade your hero levels. The game is available on Android and iOS, with the PC version becoming available back in 2020. It is free to download and features some of the best graphics for mobile gacha games.
Game 3Brawl Stars
Another free-to-play game with Gacha element. To get new champions in the loot, players need to invest countless money in the game. If your kids are fans of SuperCell, better be careful with in-game purchases.
• Mobile – Android and iOS
Click here to learn the most popular gacha games 2022.
Part3. How can gacha games hurt kids?
You will find plenty of reasons why gacha games concern parents and governments alike. However, these are the main ways gacha games can hurt kids.
Gacha Games Can Lead to Irresponsible Spending.
Since gacha games rely heavily on monetization, there is the worry of irresponsible spending amongst players. Kids are more vulnerable to this behavior since they still cannot understand the concept of money. As they engage more with the game, their temptation to pay for in-game rewards increases.
You can spend a lot on credit card bills to finance reward purchases without the necessary safeguards. In addition, some gacha games do not employ the best data security protocols, which can lead to criminals accessing your financial information. As such, you are vulnerable to financial crimes such as fraud and extortion.
Excess Screentime Can Distract Them from Other Important Tasks.
Some gacha games need you to regularly play them to increase your chances of earning high-value rewards. As such, your kids can neglect important tasks such as school assignments and their daily chores.
In addition, excess screentime can lead to gacha game addiction in extreme cases, which can be expensive to manage effectively. Therefore, you need to employ preventive measures to ensure their online and offline safety. The next section covers the different solutions you can employ to ensure your kid’s safe device usage, including preventing addiction.
How to monitor kids’ phones to avoid gacha game addiction?
You have different options for monitoring your kid’s phone, including free ones. Here are some of them for you to try.
Use Parental Control Apps
There are many mobile apps available that include monitoring tools for device usage. In addition, most of them are free to try, only requiring you to buy them to activate all the features. For example, the Famisafe Parental Control App allows you to monitor multiple devices from a single web dashboard. It is available across all mobile platforms and Amazon devices.
Parental control apps allow you to monitor various usage statistics and generate further analysis reports. In addition, some of them allow you to set limits on screen time, with the device going off when they reach maximum usage. Furthermore, you can prevent gacha game installation, ensuring your kids’ protection against gaming addiction.
Wondershare Famisafe
FamiSafe provides all-around protection to kids' digital life. Parents can control screen time, track real-time location and detect inappropriate content on kids' devices.
Only Offer Gacha Game Access as a Reward.
Another way to prevent gacha game addiction is to only allow access as a reward for specific tasks. For example, you can purchase reward turns after they complete their homework. As a result, you encourage their learning of essential skills and enhance their appreciation of the rewards.
However, you need to be careful in using this method since it can appear as manipulation. Meaning your child will only perform tasks if there is a promise of a reward. Such situations can promote them acquiring bad morals, such as bribery.
Keep the Phone in a Secure Location
Alternatively, you can secure the phone during specific times when gacha gaming can interfere with important tasks. For example, you can keep it in your room during school nights and allow access during the weekend.
In addition, ensure the location remains a secret. This is because your child can manipulate other family members to access the device in your absence.
Establish a Gaming Schedule for Your Kid.
Routines are essential to promoting structure in your child’s life. For example, you can allow them an hour of gaming every day to offer them relaxation opportunities. In addition, you can select gacha games that offer educational benefits in a fun way. This way, you are further exposing them to increased learning opportunities in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
FAQ
Can you use parental control apps on all gacha gaming devices?
Yes, most parental control apps are compatible with different gaming devices. In addition, some of them allow you to monitor multiple devices simultaneously. However, only get apps from official stores to prevent exposure to spyware and other online threats.
What is the appropriate age for your kid to start playing mobile games?
Every game developer must inform users of the age-appropriateness of their creations. In addition, they should also include clear messaging if their game involves third-party ads and microtransactions. Therefore, always read the fine print of each game before allowing your child access.