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Analyzing the Free-to-Play Model and Gaming Experience of Genshin Impact

GOOVER DAILY REPORT October 21, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Gameplay Features and Mechanics
  3. Monetization and Gacha Mechanics
  4. Player Experience and Community Feedback
  5. Comparison to Other Games
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report examines 'Genshin Impact,' a free-to-play action RPG renowned for its innovative gameplay and complex monetization system, centered around the Gacha System. The game features an extensive world called Teyvat, where players use elemental combat strategies and Primogems, the in-game currency, to unlock characters and weapons. It highlights the balance between offering significant free content and optional microtransactions that can lead to gambling-like behaviors. Despite challenges such as control issues and endgame grinding, 'Genshin Impact' is praised for its storytelling, exploration, and character variety, drawing comparisons to 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' while maintaining unique elements.

2. Gameplay Features and Mechanics

  • 2-1. Switching between team members with elemental attributes

  • Genshin Impact features a clever combat system that allows players to switch between team members, each possessing different elemental attributes. This is designed to strategically combine various elemental attacks to exploit enemy weaknesses and optimize damage output. For instance, players can use a water-based character to wet opponents and then switch to an electric character to deliver significant damage. While this system adds a layer of depth to combat, there can be challenges in switching characters mid-battle, which some players have described as cumbersome.

  • 2-2. Unique combat mechanics compared to Breath of the Wild

  • While Genshin Impact draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it distinguishes itself with its unique combat mechanics. Players encounter a blend of action RPG elements characterized by button mashing, diversifying gameplay with character-specific moves and unique team builds. This combat style promotes character role diversity, as each character wields unique weapons and elemental abilities that can affect gameplay dynamics differently compared to its inspiration.

  • 2-3. Character control issues and the role of Paimon

  • Some players have reported issues with character controls in Genshin Impact, describing them as non-intuitive and at times unresponsive. The shortcut menus often fail to function properly, particularly during dungeon explorations. Additionally, Paimon, the player's guide and companion character, has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Although intended to provide assistance and context, her frequent dialogue and personality have been considered irritating by some players, drawing comparisons to other notable game companions that were similarly perceived.

3. Monetization and Gacha Mechanics

  • 3-1. Explaining the gacha system and optional microtransactions

  • Genshin Impact employs a gacha system that encourages players to spend in-game currency, known as Primogems, for chances to unlock new characters and weapons. While Primogems can be earned through gameplay, players are motivated to purchase them using real money to expedite the process. The game includes additional monetization options such as the Blessing of the Welkin Moon and Gnostic Hymn, which require financial investment for added benefits and quicker access to character resources.

  • 3-2. The impact of spending on gameplay and potential gambling issues

  • The necessity to spend in Genshin Impact has generated discussions around its impact on gameplay and potential gambling-like behaviors. Although the game is designed to be playable without spending money, the pressure to acquire stronger characters through the gacha system can lead to increased spending. Some players report that the gacha mechanics can invoke feelings akin to those experienced at a casino, highlighting the addictive potential of the system.

  • 3-3. Access to content without spending money

  • Despite the presence of the gacha system, Genshin Impact allows access to substantial game content without any financial investment. Players can explore vast regions, complete numerous quests, and engage with various characters over extensive gameplay without needing to spend money. Reviews commend the game for its generous amount of content available to free-to-play users, allowing them to endure challenging encounters by gradually earning Primogems and leveling up.

4. Player Experience and Community Feedback

  • 4-1. Exploration of Teyvat and engaging storyline

  • Genshin Impact allows players to explore the vast world of Teyvat as they take on the role of either Aether or Lumine, the twin protagonists. Players can engage with a broad range of quests that are rich in lore, including story-based quest lines and character-specific missions. Notably, the world design and story elements offer an immersive experience that captures player interest, providing an extensive volume of content. Players report spending hundreds of hours in the game without any financial expenditure, supported by numerous quests and collectibles available in four distinct regions.

  • 4-2. Impact of grinding and endgame challenges

  • Grinding becomes a significant aspect of player experience as individuals approach the game's endgame content. While initial gameplay does not require extensive grinding, players encounter difficulty spikes in later Archon Quests, particularly with regions like Inazuma. To optimize character performance, players must engage in grinding for artifacts and ascension materials. Community feedback indicates that while this can be a daunting task, it also aids in character development and readiness for challenging activities such as the Spiral Abyss.

  • 4-3. Cross-play functionality and community feedback

  • Genshin Impact supports cross-play functionality across different platforms, including PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices. This feature is praised by the community, enhancing accessibility and connectivity among players. Feedback highlights the generous nature of the game, where users can enjoy significant content without a monetary commitment, although the lure of the gacha system poses risks of potential overspending. Overall, community sentiment reflects a high appreciation for the game's narrative depth, character richness, and the balance of free-to-play gameplay, despite recognized challenges.

5. Comparison to Other Games

  • 5-1. Comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

  • Genshin Impact has drawn significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, particularly due to its art style and gameplay mechanics. Initially, the resemblance between the two games sparked considerable excitement among fans. Despite the clear inspiration, Genshin Impact distinguishes itself by not being merely a clone of Breath of the Wild. It incorporates unique gameplay elements, such as the gacha system for character acquisition and varied combat mechanics, which deviates from the traditional gameplay of Zelda.

  • 5-2. Differentiating factors such as storyline and character diversity

  • Genshin Impact offers a distinct narrative that allows players to choose between a male or female protagonist, known as the Traveler, who embarks on a quest with a fairy named Paimon. This flexibility in character choice adds to the game's appeal. The character diversity within the game is notable, with unique abilities and elemental types for each character, enhancing gameplay variety. Additionally, the inclusion of a multiplayer mode allows players to explore the world with friends, setting it apart from the more solitary experience of Breath of the Wild.

6. Conclusion

  • 'Genshin Impact' excels as a benchmark in the free-to-play RPG space, thanks to its expansive world and strategic combat. However, the Gacha System poses a risk of fostering addictive spending, which could overshadow its free-to-play offerings. While the game provides ample content without requiring money, players eager to obtain specific characters might find themselves spending more. Limitations include cumbersome controls and the necessity of grinding in late-game content. Future improvements could focus on mitigating these detriments and ensuring a more balanced experience. Real-world applicability lies in the game's ability to cater to both non-spending and spending players, with community feedback underscoring its value despite inherent complexities. Continued advancements may further elevate 'Genshin Impact's' position as a leader in digital storytelling and multiplayer engagement.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Genshin Impact [Game]

  • A free-to-play action RPG set in the world of Teyvat, known for its elemental combat system, gacha mechanics, and cross-play functionality. It is praised for its art style, storyline, and accessibility, although its monetization model requires players to be cautious of potential overspending.

  • 7-2. Gacha System [Mechanic]

  • A monetization method that allows players to spend in-game currency on randomized rewards. In 'Genshin Impact,' it plays a key role in unlocking characters and items, which can enhance gameplay but also lead to excessive spending.

  • 7-3. Primogems [In-game Currency]

  • Used in 'Genshin Impact' for wishing, which is the main way to obtain new characters and weapons through the gacha system. Primogems can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money, influencing the game's accessibility.

8. Source Documents