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What are gacha games?

Gacha games are increasing in popularity every year, thanks to the community’s growing interest. This game genre has some... Maria | 9. January 2023

Gacha games are increasing in popularity every year, thanks to the community’s growing interest. This game genre has some specific terms that can be difficult for new players to understand.

If you are starting in gacha games, here you can find all the information you need.

What is a gacha game?

Gacha games encourage players to use their internal currency to purchase virtual items as they progress through the game.

These games allow players to earn items such as cards and characters through a mechanism similar to vending machines. Players must pull a lever, spin a roulette wheel or roll a die to obtain a random item.

Why are they called gacha games?

In Japan, in 2010, these games started to be popular, but not with that name. However, as the phenomenon began to spread, they received their name from gachapon — a toy vending machine.

This type of machine was present in shopping malls, arcades, and grocery stores in Japan. The term “gacho game” originated from the abbreviated form of the word “gachapon” or “gacha.”

Today, gacha games enjoy enormous popularity throughout Asia. Moreover, a good portion of the best-selling games uses some form of gacha strategy as monetization.

Why are gacha games so popular?

The feeling that some players experience through these games is comparable to the illusion we feel when we open a present. As with toy vending machines, there is an atmosphere of mystery, and the final reward is a surprise.

These emotions, combined with other traditional game elements, such as adventure or fantasy, make these games highly satisfying and even absorbing for the players.

Terms you should know about gacha games

  • Whale: It is a player who spends large amounts of real money to increase the skins of his character. This player will not hesitate to invest his money to become number one.
  • Gacha tickets: These are in-game tickets used to obtain free gacha pulls. These can be won in specific events.
  • Banner: The term is derived from advertising banners and refers to a porridge that could potentially be won. The term banner comes from Fate: Grand Order, one of the first massively popular porridge games.
  • Cosmetics: Gacha pulls that change the appearance or sound of weapons, character masks, voice lines, and music are cosmetics.
  • Rarity: A system that uses letters or stars to indicate how common or rare a pull is.
  • Dupe System: This refers to duplicates in a pull. In some games, it is impossible to get duplicate prizes, while others allow exchange for coins.
  • Crafting: Use of certain materials to obtain specific items.
  • Events: Content that is available for a limited time.
  • Battle Pass: A system that tracks player progression and offers experience and rewards.
  • Grinding: Refers to spending long periods playing daily, with the mission of receiving more rewards, increasing your level, or advancing in the game.

Header: Epic Games