Genshin Impact enthusiasts in the United States are facing a crucial deadline as developer HoYoverse implements new age verification requirements. This change stems from a $20 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission regarding the game's controversial gacha mechanics. While Genshin Impact remains free-to-play, its monetization system has drawn scrutiny for potentially predatory practices targeting younger audiences.

The game's wish system requires players to understand complex currency conversions. To secure a 5-Star character in Genshin Impact, players must acquire 180 Intertwined Wishes, with each wish costing 160 Primogems. These convert to Genesis Crystals, sold in bundles that don't neatly align with wish requirements - a system critics argue deliberately obscures true costs.

The FTC settlement mandates several changes beyond age verification. According to HoYoverse, Genesis Crystal purchases will now clearly display how many wishes they provide. This transparency measure aims to help players better understand the real-money cost of gacha pulls. The verification system rolls out May 20, with a grace period until July 18 for compliance.

Players under 16 won't face bans but will have purchase restrictions, while those failing to verify will have accounts suspended. Notably, these changes currently only affect US players, who will gain the option to directly buy Intertwined Wishes in Genshin Impact rather than navigating currency conversions.

While Genshin Impact has improved its gacha systems, these regulatory changes represent a significant shift for the gaming industry. The current Version 5.6 features twelve returning 5-Star characters, some absent for over a year, creating strong temptation for collectors.