Genshin Impact is an amazing open-world adventure that draws heavily on both its Breath of the Wild and anime inspirations to create something truly special. — -IGN
At the end of September, Genshin Impact which produced by Chinese company miHoYo was officially released. The game features a fantasy-based open-world environment and an action-based battle system. It uses elemental magic, character switching and uses Gacha game monetization for players to obtain rare characters, Weapons, and other resources. This is a story about a player rescuing his/her twin brother or sister in a fantasy world by playing as a traveler from another world. In this game, players can develop their characters by exploring the open world, leveling up, collecting items, forming teams, etc.
Market Performance
Based on the sensor tower data shows, the first week after Genshin Impact launched, it generated approximately 60 million dollars in the App Store and Google Play. In the first week of game release, Genshin Impact was ranked the first in RPG games globally, which successively Surpassed Monster Strike and Fate Grand Order.
In user reviews, players who gave a 5-star rating were mainly attracted by the exquisite graphic design. They were also surprised at the excellent quality that this free game can provide, which reminds them of “Zelda Wilderness.” Many players think that the performance of sound and picture is even better than Zelda. In the 1-star evaluation, players’ complaints mainly focus on the device’s incompatibility and the crash on the old iPhone. Moreover, some players report that in-app purchases are too expensive and cannot be affordable. Despite these complaints, Genshin Impact still has a score of 4.6/5 on the App Store and a high score of 9/10 on IGN
Gacha Game Model
Genshin Impact’s ability to quickly attract gold is inseparable from its Gacha game type. Generally, players need to use a limited amount of game currency to acquire a specific character within a particular time. This in-app purchase mechanism with a gambling nature gives players the desire to recharge. Players often fall into the mental state of Gambler’s Fallacy, considering that if the characters they want are not produced several times, the chance of getting it will increase in the next draw. However, this theory does not exist. In addition, on social media platforms, gamers will see other players show off their rare characters. By seeing brag posts on Twitter or Reddit will misleading players to keep rolling.
Furthermore, sunk costs always are lower-estimate. As the game progresses, players need better characters to deal with more difficult enemies, and they usually already purchased a lot in the early stage. With money and time they were invested, most players were reluctant to give up these investments and make more purchases. Although the success of Genshin Impact is closely related to its game quality and delicate drawing style, free games and the characteristics of Gacha are inseparable for Genshin Impact to reach Break Even in the early stage.
F2P Cognitive Differences
There are historical differences between the Chinese and American game markets. When the original copyright awareness in China had not yet taken shape, players developed into the habit of not paying for games. Thus, many outstanding Chinese game manufacturers were severely suppressed by the piracy market and could not sell legitimate games normally. But I consider this has also promoted the development of free games in China. Due to the role of the market, F2P games have developed rapidly. Major manufacturers have begun to optimize the graphics, interface, UX, and other aspects of the game, which has become the current situation. Most American games have a buyout system, while the quality of such F2P games is generally low. Therefore, when Genshin Impact entered the North American market, it attracted a large number of players. FYI, the game has generated the majority of sales outside the country, however, racking up close to $35 million in the rest of the world, or about 58 percent of its revenue so far.
In the end, no matter what, the game is to bring fun to players. Looking forward to the Genshin Impact will bring more surprises to players in subsequent content updates, and hope miHoYo gets better and better.
