Japan outlaws social gaming payment system

The Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency has officially deemed the ‘Complete Gacha’ social games payment system illegal.

The CAA confirmed earlier this month that it was to investigate the issue following concerns about IAP systems that encourage users to purchase multiple virtual items from an in-game vending machine in the hope of winning a rare item as a prize”

The agency was faced with a decision about whether Complete Gacha contravened regulations of sales involving random prizes – and it has decided that it does.

The result is that as of July 1st any developer whose titles use Complete Gacha will face a financial penalty.

Most companies who could be affected by the move – namely social gaming giants DeNA and Gree, as well as Konami, Namco Bandai and Mobage.