From May 20, 2025, those playing Genshin Impact within the United States are to be subjected to age verification to be able to keep playing the game. The action is a step brought about by a settlement agreement involving the game’s creator, HoYoverse, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) worth $20 million. This follows concerns about the monetization of the game and how minors’ personal information is treated.

How Verification Will Work

From May 20, 2025, HoYoverse will begin notifying players to authenticate their age. Players have until July 18, 2025, to fulfill the requirement. Failing to comply with it means their accounts will be restricted:

• Suspension of accounts
• Deletion Of Chat History And Friend Lists
• Disabling of notifications
• Permanent deletion of the account on July 20, 2026, unless verified

Players under 16 years of age will also be able to play the game, but with parental permission for purchases made within the game. The company has also guaranteed more: loot box drop rates will be transparent and explicitly stated, with purchases being made directly with actual money.

Public reaction

Players reacted fiercely to the announcement. Some embrace the new policy as a move toward responsible gaming and a safer environment for children. Others are more apprehensive about the protection of personal data and losing their accounts. There is division on Reddit with some people complimenting the motives behind the policy and others questioning how it’s being enforced.

U.S. players need to get ready for obligatory age verification on May 20, 2025. Age verification is required to meet new regulation demands and provide increased protection for the end-users, particularly younger people.