Japanese Games Considered Unethical for "Lucky Chances" Type Games...

**Don Epic** · 05-08-2012 01:30 PM

Japan’s social game publishers are facing a government inquiry questioning the legality of one of their most profitable sales methods, according to a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun on Sunday.

The tactic under investigation is one known in Japan as compugacha, or “complete gacha,” named after the sound made by toy vending machines. As with many mobile and social games around the world, players can spend real currency to buy in-game items. The difference in these games is that the players don’t know what items they’ll receive. If they collect complete sets of rare items, they’ll receive even more rare ones as a reward. This has led some players to spend thousands of dollars on the games in an effort to complete sets of virtual trinkets.

Japanese Government Mulls Social Game Crackdown

**Snorky** · 05-08-2012 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Htrag

Japan’s social game publishers are facing a government inquiry questioning the legality of one of their most profitable sales methods, according to a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun on Sunday.

The tactic under investigation is one known in Japan as compugacha, or “complete gacha,” named after the sound made by toy vending machines. As with many mobile and social games around the world, players can spend real currency to buy in-game items. The difference in these games is that the players don’t know what items they’ll receive. If they collect complete sets of rare items, they’ll receive even more rare ones as a reward. This has led some players to spend thousands of dollars on the games in an effort to complete sets of virtual trinkets.

Japanese Government Mulls Social Game Crackdown

Interesting read.

**Sayer_Player** · 05-08-2012 02:59 PM

If you read it you will notice that it isn't for what this game does. Although it sounds similar, believe it or not Kabam is operating legally. They do walk the tight line a lot though, like keeping a game a "Beta" just so they can take things away whenever they feel. Pretty sure they have crossed the line atleast a few times, but it all depends on what country they are based. And since they are more then likely US based, this Japanese situation wouldn't affect them.