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Exploring Genshin Impact: Beyond Gacha

GOOVER DAILY REPORT October 19, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Gameplay Features and Mechanics
  3. Gacha System and Economic Model
  4. Player Experience and Accessibility
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report delves into the free-to-play online action RPG 'Genshin Impact,' developed by miHoYo, examining its standout features and economic model. The focus is to evaluate the player experience in navigating its vast open-world exploration and elemental combat systems without heavy reliance on monetary investment. Compared to games like 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' Genshin Impact offers a character-driven narrative and strategic combat mechanisms, setting it apart while still drawing inspiration from its predecessors. The exploration includes how the game balances providing engaging content through a free-to-play structure intertwined with gacha mechanics. While these mechanics pose potential risks of overspending, players are shown to access significant portions of content without financial involvement. With cross-platform capabilities enhancing community interactions, the accessibility of premium content is scrutinized, demonstrating that a rewarding gaming experience can be achieved even without financial transactions.

2. Gameplay Features and Mechanics

  • 2-1. Open-world RPG design

  • Genshin Impact is designed as a free-to-play open-world RPG, combining elements reminiscent of the critically acclaimed game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This design offers players a vast world to explore, filled with diverse environments and content that does not require mandatory financial investment. The game is noted for its ability to offer a coherent and complete experience on a significant budget, accessible without feeling pressured to engage in gacha mechanics.

  • 2-2. Elemental combat systems

  • The game features a unique elemental combat system, where players can switch between different characters with varying elemental abilities. This system encourages strategic gameplay, as players can combine attacks based on enemy types and environmental factors. For example, players can drench enemies with water-based attacks and then switch to electric characters for enhanced damage. The combat complexity adds depth to the gameplay, creating a richer experience compared to traditional RPG systems.

  • 2-3. Character-driven narrative

  • Genshin Impact includes a character-driven narrative, where players can choose to control a male or female protagonist known as the Traveler. The storyline is centered around their quest to find their twin brother while interacting with various characters throughout the game. The presence of a guiding fairy character, Paimon, adds a whimsical element to the story. The primarily wholesome nature of the characters and story makes it broadly accessible, while the narrative progression encourages players to develop attachments to the characters they encounter.

3. Gacha System and Economic Model

  • 3-1. Free-to-play structure

  • Genshin Impact operates on a free-to-play model, allowing players to engage with the game without mandatory financial investment. Players can access a vast amount of content and gameplay for free, with the game designed to provide a significant experience without requiring spending. Reports indicate that players can invest dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into the game without spending any money, contrasting typical free-to-play structures that may have stricter barriers to access.

  • 3-2. Impact of gacha mechanics

  • The gacha mechanics in Genshin Impact serve as a form of monetization, where players use in-game currency called Primogems to make 'wishes' for characters or weapons. While Primogems can be accumulated through gameplay, the system is designed to encourage spending real money to expedite the acquisition of desired items. Players are drawn in by the chance of acquiring strong characters or weapons, but the appeal of gacha systems carries risks of addiction, similar to gambling. Reports highlight that while players can progress without spending, the temptation of enhanced chances through monetary investment remains a significant aspect of the game's economy.

  • 3-3. Earning versus spending real money

  • In Genshin Impact, players can earn Primogems for free through gameplay, but the option to invest real money exists for those who wish to enhance their gaming experience. The cost associated with wishes totals to approximately $100 for 50 wishes. Despite this, players are reported to successfully navigate the game through free means, highlighting a spectrum of engagement based on spending. Currency systems such as the 'Blessing Of The Welkin Moon' and 'Gnostic Hymn Battle Pass' offer various paid options that reward players with additional Primogems or other benefits. While spending can expedite progression, many players report satisfaction with the content available without financial input.

4. Player Experience and Accessibility

  • 4-1. Ease of progression

  • The gameplay of 'Genshin Impact' is structured in such a way that players can easily make progress without needing to spend money. According to the evaluation from IGN, players can obtain premium currency as rewards for reaching specific levels or completing tasks. This allows for the formation of a strong character party without any financial investment. Additionally, players can unlock stronger characters through natural progression, and key missions sometimes provide extra characters as rewards. As per another review, players can level up characters and weapons effectively by utilizing the resources gathered from exploration, which minimizes the grinding effort required.

  • 4-2. Accessibility of premium content

  • The report points out that while 'Genshin Impact' incorporates gacha mechanics, which could traditionally suggest limited access to premium content without spending, the game ensures that major gameplay and narrative content remain free. Both referenced documents highlight that no essential aspects of the gameplay are locked behind a paywall. Players can enjoy the vast majority of the game's features and content without feeling pressured to spend money, which stands in contrast to common trends in the free-to-play genre. Spending money in the game appears to be more of an option rather than a necessity, thereby maintaining accessibility for all players.

  • 4-3. Multiplayer and cross-play capabilities

  • Genshin Impact offers robust multiplayer options, allowing users to experience the game together with friends. The game supports cross-play functionality, enabling players on different platforms, such as PC, PS4, and mobile, to join together in cooperative gameplay. Players can venture into dungeons with up to three friends, enhancing the social aspect of the game. This level of accessibility caters to various gaming preferences, as players can choose to engage with others or explore the game alone, which adds significant flexibility to the overall player experience.

5. Conclusion

  • The report highlights that 'Genshin Impact' successfully delivers a multifaceted gaming experience through its free-to-play model, allowing widespread accessibility without pressing financial demands. Despite the inherent risks associated with Gacha Mechanics, such as potential addiction or overspending, players can achieve satisfaction and progress by simply engaging with the game's diverse offerings. The game excels in presenting a compelling narrative and a unique blend of elemental combat systems, distinguishing itself from other titles like 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.' However, caution is advised for those prone to spending due to the enticing nature of acquiring powerful characters or weapons. The sustained focus on narrative depth and social multiplayer interactions underscores its position as a leading free-to-play RPG. Looking forward, 'Genshin Impact' may continue to inspire similar games while possibly refining its monetization strategies to better support responsible in-game spending practices. Practically, the success of this approach highlights potential pathways for developers seeking to balance comprehensive content delivery with optional monetization opportunities in future gaming ventures.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Genshin Impact [Online Action RPG]

  • A free-to-play action RPG developed by miHoYo, set in a fantasy world called Teyvat. The game stands out for its open-world exploration, elemental combat mechanics, and gacha system for character acquisition, offering a substantial gaming experience for free while incorporating optional financial incentives.

  • 6-2. Gacha Mechanics [Gaming Economic Model]

  • A monetization technique that involves characters and items acquisition through randomized draws. In 'Genshin Impact,' players use both earnable and purchasable currency to unlock in-game assets, posing challenges of spending control and player engagement.

  • 6-3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild [Reference Game]

  • The inspiration behind 'Genshin Impact's aesthetic and gameplay design. While comparisons are often made due to similar exploration and mechanics, 'Genshin Impact' distinguishes itself with unique combat systems and narrative elements.

7. Source Documents