Gacha is Dead
Tectone・2 minutes read
The Goa cast discusses the current state of gacha games, highlighting burnout among players and the criticism faced by those who hire executive account managers to manage gameplay amidst busy lives. They emphasize the need for innovation and engaging content within the genre, reflecting on community perceptions and the decline in player excitement, particularly with titles like Genshin Impact and Zen Zone Zero.
Insights
- The Goa cast has returned after a break, featuring guests from the gaming community who discuss the current state of gacha games, noting a perceived decline in excitement and engagement among players.
- Sedle challenges the notion that hiring an executive account manager reflects a lack of enjoyment in gacha games, arguing instead that it can enhance player experience by allowing individuals to focus on what they enjoy.
- VXV expresses feelings of burnout from gacha games while emphasizing the need for busy players to manage their time effectively, suggesting that account managers can help maintain engagement without additional spending.
- The group acknowledges the challenge of balancing gaming enjoyment with time commitments, noting that the overwhelming number of gacha games can lead to player fatigue and a decrease in passion for the genre.
- Participants reflect on the criticism faced by players who hire account managers, highlighting that many juggle multiple responsibilities and may not have the time to engage fully with every game.
- The conversation touches on the importance of representation in games, particularly regarding character diversity, and the ongoing issue of backlash female gamers face when expressing interest in male characters.
- Players express dissatisfaction with the current state of gacha games, citing a lack of engaging content and excitement, particularly in popular titles like Genshin Impact, which has seen declining interest.
- The group discusses the competitive nature of gacha games, emphasizing the need for innovation and quality in game development to avoid stagnation and to keep players engaged.
- The conversation concludes with a critique of the gaming industry's trend towards minimal effort for maximum profit, highlighting the importance of player feedback and the need for developers to prioritize quality and creativity in their games.
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Recent questions
What are gacha games?
Gacha games are a genre of video games that incorporate a monetization system where players spend in-game currency, often obtained through real money transactions, to receive random virtual items, characters, or upgrades. The term "gacha" originates from the Japanese word for capsule-toy vending machines, where players can obtain a surprise toy or item. These games typically feature a collection aspect, encouraging players to collect various characters or items, often with varying degrees of rarity. Gacha games are popular for their engaging gameplay mechanics, character designs, and the thrill of chance, but they can also lead to concerns about spending habits and player burnout due to the repetitive nature of acquiring new items.
How do I improve my gaming skills?
Improving gaming skills involves a combination of practice, strategy, and learning from others. First, dedicate time to practice regularly, focusing on specific areas where you feel less confident. Watching tutorials or gameplay videos from skilled players can provide insights into effective strategies and techniques. Additionally, participating in online forums or communities can help you gain tips and feedback from fellow gamers. Analyzing your gameplay by recording and reviewing your sessions can also highlight areas for improvement. Lastly, maintaining a positive mindset and being open to learning from mistakes will foster growth and enhance your overall gaming experience.
What is a gaming community?
A gaming community is a group of individuals who share a common interest in video games, often interacting through various platforms such as forums, social media, and gaming events. These communities can be centered around specific games, genres, or gaming culture in general. Members typically engage in discussions, share tips, collaborate on gameplay, and provide support to one another. Gaming communities can foster friendships and connections, allowing players to share their experiences and insights. They also serve as a space for feedback on games, discussions about industry trends, and organizing events like tournaments or game nights, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
What are the benefits of playing video games?
Playing video games offers a variety of benefits, including cognitive, social, and emotional advantages. Cognitively, games can enhance problem-solving skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost memory and concentration. Many games require strategic thinking and quick decision-making, which can translate to real-life skills. Socially, video games provide opportunities for players to connect with others, fostering teamwork and communication through multiplayer experiences. Emotionally, gaming can serve as a form of stress relief and escapism, allowing players to unwind and enjoy immersive narratives. Additionally, certain games promote creativity and self-expression, contributing to personal development and well-being.
How do I choose a video game?
Choosing a video game can be an enjoyable process that involves considering several factors. Start by identifying your interests, such as the genre (action, RPG, puzzle, etc.) and gameplay style (single-player, multiplayer, co-op). Research games that align with your preferences by reading reviews, watching gameplay videos, and checking ratings on platforms like Steam or Metacritic. Consider the game's storyline, graphics, and community feedback to gauge its overall quality and engagement level. Additionally, take into account your budget and whether you prefer physical copies or digital downloads. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask friends for recommendations or try out demos to find a game that resonates with you.
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Summary
00:00
Gacha Games and the Balance of Enjoyment
- The Goa cast has returned after a three-month hiatus, featuring a diverse group of guests including Swedy, Kate, Gotta Smack, Jenard, and VXV, who are all involved in the gaming community and gacha games.
- The discussion centers around the current state of gacha games, which the host believes is experiencing a dry spell, and the impact of executive account managers on players' enjoyment of these games.
- A quote circulating in the gaming community suggests that hiring an executive account manager indicates a lack of enjoyment for the game; however, Sedle disagrees, arguing that it can help players focus on aspects they enjoy by freeing up time.
- VXV shares a perspective of being slightly burnt out from gacha games but still wanting to maintain resources without spending money, suggesting that busy individuals may need account managers to keep up with multiple games.
- The conversation touches on the idea that having an account manager does not necessarily mean a player does not enjoy the game, as many players juggle multiple games and responsibilities, making it impractical to manage everything alone.
- The group discusses the balance between enjoying a game and the time commitment required, with some members suggesting that the sheer number of gacha games available can lead to burnout and a lack of passion.
- The host shares a personal daily routine that includes streaming for 4-8 hours, gym workouts, and business calls, emphasizing the challenge of managing time for multiple gacha games while maintaining a work-life balance.
- The discussion highlights the perception that players who hire account managers may be criticized for not engaging with the game fully, despite their busy lives and the desire to enjoy gaming when they have the time.
- Jenard and Gotta Smack agree that achieving a good work-life balance is essential, and hiring help can be a practical solution for content creators and gamers alike.
- The conversation concludes with a reflection on the differences in lifestyle and commitments among gamers, suggesting that those who criticize others for not playing as much may not understand the varying priorities in people's lives.
11:24
Workaholism and Gaming Community Insights
- The discussion revolves around the concept of being a workaholic, with one participant defining it as someone who feels unhappy when not working, contrasting it with those who enjoy their work but can take breaks without distress.
- A participant likens their work ethic to gaming, stating that they pursue objectives in their work similarly to how they would in a game, indicating a strong drive to complete tasks.
- The conversation shifts to community feedback on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, with one participant noting that their community remains stable despite some criticism regarding a specific video about weather and waves.
- Another participant shares that their community has reacted negatively to their gameplay choices, particularly regarding a game called "woa," due to their controversial opinions on the story.
- A participant expresses frustration with the current state of gacha games, stating that they find them boring and lacking in content, despite the high revenue these games generate.
- The group discusses the disparity between the quality of gacha games and other titles, with one participant highlighting that major gacha games often release minimal content while still making significant profits.
- The conversation includes a mention of "Blackmouth Wukong," with participants expressing their admiration for the game and its storytelling, contrasting it with the perceived shortcomings of gacha games.
- One participant claims that "Blackmouth Wukong" is the best game ever made, citing its incredible story, gameplay, and character design, while another agrees that it deserves a top spot in gaming history.
- The discussion touches on personal gaming achievements, with one participant sharing their success in defeating a challenging boss in "Bloodborne," showcasing their gaming skills and dedication.
- The conversation concludes with participants expressing excitement about playing "Blackmouth Wukong" and discussing their gaming experiences, emphasizing the game's impact on them and their desire to share it with others.
23:53
Gacha Community Faces Boredom and Decline
- The community surrounding gacha games, particularly Genshin Impact, has expressed boredom with recent updates and games, citing a lack of engaging content and excitement, with only brief enjoyment from titles like Wering Waves, which lasted around five hours.
- A new 20-player Mario Party game is set to release this month, generating enthusiasm among gamers, contrasting with the current dissatisfaction in the gacha community.
- Players are moving on from Genshin Impact due to its declining interest, with some creators predicting that many will retire from the space or shift to variety content as their channels experience decreased engagement.
- The discussion highlights a perceived decline in competitive spirit within the gacha community, attributing this to a lack of new, innovative games and the influence of Genshin Impact's success on other developers' approaches.
- There is a call for new drama or controversy within the community, as the absence of significant events has led to a sense of stagnation and frustration among content creators and fans alike.
- The conversation touches on the recurring issue of representation in games, particularly regarding the portrayal of characters with darker skin tones, which has been a point of contention in the gaming community for years.
- Participants speculate that the lack of drama in the gacha space is due to a more casual atmosphere, where creators are less inclined to engage in conflicts that previously fueled their growth and visibility.
- The maturity of the audience and content creators is discussed, suggesting that as fans grow older, their perspectives on creators and the gaming community evolve, leading to less dramatic interactions.
- The group reflects on the impact of new game releases, noting that while some games like ZZZ have launched, they haven't generated the same level of excitement or community engagement as earlier titles like Genshin Impact or Star Rail.
- The conversation concludes with a debate on whether a game's success should be measured by its monetary gain or its popularity, with opinions varying on the significance of player satisfaction versus financial performance.
35:54
Game Revenue Versus Quality in Industry
- The monetary success of a game is often viewed as a key indicator of its performance, but it does not solely define the game's quality or success, as some critically acclaimed games may not generate high revenue.
- Live service games, particularly in the gacha genre, rely heavily on continuous revenue; if they fail to generate sufficient income, they risk being discontinued or ending service.
- Censor Tower primarily tracks mobile game revenue, which may not provide a complete picture of a game's overall success, as it does not account for income from PC or other platforms.
- The effectiveness of a game's gacha system can significantly influence its financial success, with examples like "Love at Deep Space" demonstrating how a predatory gacha model can lead to high revenue through small, frequent purchases.
- In the context of global revenue, many games derive a substantial portion of their income from specific regions, such as Japan, which can account for 50-70% of total earnings, while some games like "Weing Waves" perform well in North America.
- The discussion highlights that a game generating 95% of its revenue from a single country, like China, raises questions about its global success and market perception.
- "Zen Zone Zero" is criticized for declining metrics across various platforms, including streaming and YouTube views, indicating a potential downward trend in player engagement and financial performance.
- The character design and gameplay of "Zen Zone Zero" are debated, with some players expressing dissatisfaction with the character aesthetics and gameplay mechanics, suggesting a disconnect with broader audience preferences.
- The quality of animations, music, and storytelling in gacha games is emphasized, with "Zen Zone Zero" praised for its superior character animations and engaging music, setting a high standard for other games in the genre.
- The ongoing strike of English voice actors is noted as a significant issue affecting game quality, particularly in narrative-driven titles, leading to a lack of engaging voice acting in recent releases.
48:51
Gacha Games Nostalgia and Future Excitement
- Many players have a nostalgic connection to the game "Genshin Impact," often recalling it as their first open-world gacha game, which holds significant emotional weight despite any later criticisms of its story or content.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to articulate one's opinions and preferences; if someone cannot explain their feelings about a subject, they should reconsider their stance.
- The speaker provides a detailed explanation of why they enjoy salmon sushi, highlighting its health benefits, including Omega-3 fatty acids for better blood flow, and its appealing texture and flavor profile enhanced by wasabi and soy sauce.
- A discussion occurs among friends about ranking gacha games, with "Honkai: Star Rail" being favored for its ease of play, allowing players to quickly complete daily tasks and enjoy character designs.
- The speaker expresses a preference for "Honkai: Star Rail" over other gacha games, citing its character designs and the simplicity of logging in to complete tasks as key reasons for their enjoyment.
- The conversation shifts to "Genshin Impact," with one participant sharing their mixed feelings about the game, likening it to a toxic relationship while acknowledging its fun gameplay and engaging elemental combat system.
- The speaker reflects on the story arcs in "Genshin Impact," particularly praising the "Inazuma" storyline for its dramatic moments, while expressing disappointment in the game's narrative quality in subsequent updates.
- The speaker compares "Genshin Impact" to other open-world games, stating a preference for titles like "Elden Ring" due to their superior gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
- Participants discuss their favorite gacha games outside the mainstream, with mentions of "Nik," "Epic Seven," and a hentai gacha game, highlighting the diversity of interests within the group.
- The conversation concludes with excitement about upcoming games, particularly "Chaos Zero Nightmare," which is anticipated to bring fresh gameplay experiences to the gacha genre, emphasizing the need for more PvP elements in future titles.
01:01:59
Gacha Games: Quality, Representation and Challenges
- The text discusses the quality of gacha games, particularly criticizing companies like Netmarble for producing low-quality titles that capitalize on popular IPs, such as "Solo Leveling," instead of investing in high-quality games like "Epic Seven," which is noted for its superior graphics and combat mechanics.
- It mentions the potential for a new PVP gacha game to adopt a MOBA format similar to "League of Legends," suggesting that this could lead to an exciting gaming experience, contrasting it with the anticipated poor quality of upcoming open-world gacha games.
- The speaker shares their experience with "Pokemon Unite," a gacha MOBA, where they achieved a top 15 ranking in North America within two days, highlighting the competitive nature of the game and their ability to outperform less experienced players.
- The conversation shifts to the success of games like "Love and Deep Space," which reportedly cater to diverse audiences, including gay men and straight women, challenging the stereotype that gacha games must focus on female characters to be successful.
- There is a discussion about the need for more representation of attractive male characters in gacha games, with participants expressing a desire for increased sexualization of male characters, citing that this could enhance player engagement and investment in the game's story.
- The text highlights the importance of character development and storytelling in maintaining player interest, noting that "Love and Deep Space" adds new character content regularly, which keeps players engaged beyond just the initial attraction to character designs.
- A controversial topic arises regarding the backlash female gamers face in the gacha community, particularly when expressing affection for male characters, with examples of public disputes and diss tracks aimed at women who enjoy games like "Love and Deep Space."
- The conversation touches on the overwhelming number of gacha games available, suggesting that content creators may struggle to keep up with the demands of multiple games, leading to feelings of burnout and the need for better time management.
- Participants discuss the challenges faced by content creators in the gacha space, emphasizing that many creators do not utilize available resources, such as hiring editors, which could alleviate their workload and improve content quality.
- The text concludes with a critique of a content creator's complaint about the overwhelming nature of gacha games, suggesting that their perspective is out of touch with the average player's experience and that they should focus on better prioritization and time management.
01:15:24
Challenges and Opportunities in Gacha Game Creation
- The speaker discusses the challenges faced by a content creator, referred to as EO, who is struggling to achieve the desired success on his channel, indicating that his frustrations stem from wanting a smoother video creation process rather than a genuine interest in playing games.
- EO has previously advocated for content creator servers, suggesting that he seeks a supportive infrastructure to enhance his success, which he believes could be achieved through these servers and the involvement of account executive managers.
- The speaker reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a safe and open communication space among creators, mentioning the deletion of a Discord server due to threats of leaking private conversations, which included sensitive content.
- The speaker shares experiences from a previous Discord group, noting that it often devolved into complaints and that the only memorable moments were during a chaotic Jackbox game night, highlighting the challenges of group dynamics in content creation.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the gacha gaming community, suggesting that creators should utilize features like share chat to connect and communicate while grinding through daily tasks in games.
- The speaker encourages creators to reach out to each other for casual conversations, stating that it can be beneficial for mental health and community building, despite the challenges of managing numerous direct messages.
- The discussion shifts to upcoming gacha games, with skepticism expressed about the hype surrounding titles like Tower of Fantasy, emphasizing the need for players to experience the games before forming opinions.
- The speaker shares insights from playing a new game, noting that while it has potential, it still follows familiar gacha game patterns, which may limit its success in revitalizing the genre.
- Concerns are raised about whether upcoming games will reveal hidden mechanics that could enhance gameplay, with the speaker suggesting that current trailers may only showcase a portion of what the games can offer.
- The conversation concludes with a debate on the potential of various upcoming gacha games, with differing opinions on whether they will successfully innovate the genre or simply replicate existing formulas.
01:27:27
NTE Game Review Highlights Unique Features and Concerns
- The discussion revolves around a new game, referred to as "NTE," which features various systems including a pet system, battle pets, mounts, flying, and farming, drawing comparisons to popular games like GTA and Genshin Impact.
- Players express a desire for more unique features in NTE, particularly regarding the apartment system, which they feel lacks purpose in a single-player context, suggesting that owning properties may not resonate with players seeking escapism.
- The game is rated 7.5 out of 10, with the reviewer noting that while it has good elements, it needs to stand out more in the crowded gacha game market, particularly in capturing the interest of players familiar with Genshin Impact and similar titles.
- Combat in NTE is described as a blend of Genshin Impact and another game called Weathering Waves, with a simpler approach that may appeal to players looking for less complexity in gameplay.
- The graphics of NTE are praised for their quality, utilizing Unreal Engine, and are considered better than Genshin Impact, with exploration being highlighted as a strong point due to the innovative design of the Metropolis city environment.
- Players can engage in various activities within the game, such as karaoke, and the user interface is noted for being clean and not overly cluttered, which enhances the daily gaming experience.
- Concerns are raised about the exploration mechanics in NTE, with players expressing frustration over the repetitive nature of exploration in gacha games, where rewards often feel minimal and uninteresting.
- The conversation touches on the competition between NTE and another game called Project Mugan, clarifying that they are developed by different teams but target similar audiences, with Project Mugan still in development.
- Suggestions are made for improving the exploration aspect of NTE, with ideas like incorporating mini-games similar to those in Yakuza, which could enhance player engagement and community interaction.
- The importance of creating co-op events and content that appeals to streamers is emphasized, as this could foster a more engaging community and make exploration more enjoyable for players.
01:39:25
Community Frustrations in Gaming Experience
- The community experiences peak enjoyment during cooperative exploration, but this enjoyment diminishes as the game lacks meaningful community interactions, which primarily occur on platforms like Twitter and Reddit rather than in-game.
- Events such as the backflip event with Teone and Pokey are highlighted as fun, yet the developers overlook these community-building aspects, failing to implement features like clans or guilds that could enhance player interaction in PvE settings.
- There is a sentiment of resignation among players, who feel that the gaming landscape will not change, leading to a collective acceptance of the current state of affairs, which is viewed as disappointing.
- The discussion touches on the toxicity within certain gaming communities, particularly in relation to Genshin Impact, where players express strong negative sentiments towards the game and its criticisms.
- A specific issue raised is the staggered event schedule in the game, which has led to frustration among players who feel that the developers should take responsibility for improving the game's structure.
- The conversation reveals a divide in player experiences, with some enjoying the game while others criticize its bugs and inconsistencies, particularly in comparison to other games like Zen Zone Zero and Honkai Star Rail.
- Players express dissatisfaction with certain game modes, such as the Tower of Adversity, which is considered inferior to similar modes in other games, and there is a call for developers to innovate rather than copy existing mechanics.
- The community discusses the competitive nature of gameplay, with some players valuing skill and strategy, while others criticize the ease of certain game modes that allow for automated play.
- The topic of finding affordable editing services for content creation is brought up, highlighting the availability of editors willing to work for low rates, particularly in developing countries.
- The conversation concludes with a reflection on the passion of the gaming community, where players are eager to assist others with account management and content creation, despite some expressing disdain for certain games.
01:51:06
Gacha Games Need Innovation and Player Engagement
- The discussion begins with a critique of animation quality in a game, specifically mentioning Camelia's animations as impressive, while others are deemed mediocre, indicating a divide in player opinions on visual aesthetics in gaming.
- Participants express a desire for more engaging content in gacha games, noting that many players feel there is a lack of activities to pursue after new patches, despite gacha games traditionally being designed for shorter play sessions.
- One participant suggests that adding Player vs. Player (PVP) elements could enhance gameplay, creating an infinite loop of engagement and social interaction, as they reminisce about their positive experiences with PVP in games like Epic 7.
- The conversation shifts to the challenges of implementing PVP in open-world gacha games, citing issues like hacking and lag in previous attempts, particularly referencing Tower of Fantasy as an example of poor execution.
- A suggestion is made for future gacha games to innovate rather than replicate existing models, with an example of a Mario Kart-themed gacha game potentially attracting players by offering unique gameplay experiences.
- The group discusses the implications of gacha games succeeding with minimal effort, raising concerns that this could lead to a trend where companies prioritize profit over quality, resulting in a market filled with subpar games.
- Participants agree that while popular games may not always be good, there are standout titles like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate that demonstrate the potential for quality in the industry, encouraging developers to strive for innovation.
- The conversation highlights the importance of player feedback in game development, with one participant praising developers who actively seek and implement community suggestions, contrasting this with companies that ignore constructive criticism.
- Ideas for enhancing player engagement include introducing cosmetic rewards for exploration and unique drops, such as rare pets or weapons, to incentivize players to explore the game world more thoroughly.
- The discussion concludes with a critique of the slow release of skins in gacha games, questioning the complexity of creating 3D models and suggesting that other games manage to release content more efficiently, indicating a need for improvement in the gacha game development process.
02:03:14
Controversy Over New Weing Waves Skin
- A new skin is being introduced in the game "Weing Waves," which has sparked controversy due to its association with characters in bunny suits, leading to discussions about the impact of skins on character sales and player engagement. The skin is not just a cosmetic but was featured in a trailer in China, raising concerns about its complexity and potential effects on game monetization strategies.
- The discussion highlights the belief that skins could enhance the appeal of older characters, especially those that have been overshadowed by newer ones, suggesting that introducing more skins could lead to increased player interest and revenue. The argument is made that skins are a lucrative aspect of games like "League of Legends," where they significantly contribute to overall earnings.
- There is a critique of game developers' reluctance to produce more skins, with suggestions that they may fear devaluing characters or competing with their own monetization strategies. The opinion is expressed that characters should unlock new appearances as they level up, similar to weapon transformations in other games, which could incentivize players to engage more deeply with the game.
- The conversation also touches on broader industry trends, where developers may prioritize minimal effort for maximum profit, leading to a lack of innovation in game content. This mindset is seen as potentially harmful, as it could encourage other companies to adopt similar practices, ultimately affecting the quality and enjoyment of gaming experiences.
