Home News 1 in 5 Young Japanese Gamers Face Financial Struggles from Gacha Game Spending

1 in 5 Young Japanese Gamers Face Financial Struggles from Gacha Game Spending

A recent survey by SMBC Consumer Finance, reported by Automaton Media, has shed light on the financial impact of gacha game spending among young adults in Japan. Conducted in February 2025 with 1,000 participants aged 20 to 29, the survey revealed that 18.8% of respondents admitted to spending so much on gacha games that they couldn’t cover their living costs. This issue was more pronounced among men (22.8%) compared to women (14.8%).

In addition, nearly a quarter (23.9%) of those surveyed expressed regret over their in-game purchases. Despite this, the number of individuals engaging in microtransactions rose by almost 6% from the previous year. More respondents agreed with the sentiments that paying can offer advantages in games or that games are less enjoyable without purchases. Although the average monthly spending slightly decreased, the overall trend indicates growing involvement in in-game purchases.

The Rise of Gacha Mechanics and Their Impact

Gacha games, which operate similarly to capsule-toy vending machines by offering random in-game items in exchange for real or virtual currency, have become increasingly popular. This popularity has led to significant revenue generation. In March 2025, combined spending through Apple’s App Store and Google Play reached $6.79 billion globally, with Japan alone responsible for 14.3% of that revenue.

The allure of obtaining rare items or characters can lead players to spend more than they can afford, often resulting in financial strain. This issue is not limited to teenagers; adults are also affected. For instance, a 31-year-old man from Japan reportedly spent his grandmother’s $250,000 savings on a mobile MMORPG.

Addressing the Issue: Potential Solutions

The rising trend in gaming addiction calls for government regulation. Japan could consider implementing measures similar to those in China, where regulations have been introduced to curb excessive in-game spending. These measures include disclosing the probability of obtaining items through gacha mechanics and establishing regulatory committees to create detailed guidelines and raise public awareness.

Additionally, game developers can play a role by setting spending limits, providing clear information about the odds of obtaining items, and offering tools for players to monitor and control their spending.

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Gacha Gacha Spending Game Spending SMBC

Sai T.

Sai is a social media manager and senior web content creator who spends his days juggling game research, deadlines, and the usual existential crisis. When he isn’t crafting content that hopefully goes viral, he’s a dedicated single parent doing his best to navigate work life balance. And in the rare moments when free time actually appears, he’s usually found with his two dogs, who are fully convinced they’re the ones in charge.