<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor example, let’s say potato chips containing random cards of different types A, B, C, D, E, F, G are being sold. The card itself falls under “prizes”, but it is inexpensive and not excessive, so it is not illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if there is a system where you can get another prize by collecting two or more specific cards, it falls under “Card Matching” and becomes illegal. In other words, it is random which of A to G is included, and it is subject to chance, so it can be said to have the nature of a “lottery”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, in the previous example, the probability of getting all at once is
And in the process of completing, the first card that came out is A, and gradually, cards other than A, cards other than AB, cards other than ABC… the target becomes narrower, and it becomes difficult to collect all the items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, because the target items are easy to get at the beginning, it is easy to think “I might be able to do it”. This easily creates a psychological state of “next time, next time…”, which can be said to stimulate a gambling spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, it was reported that the probability required for completion was manipulated, and it was programmed to be a system that was difficult to collect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, the main reason for the complete prohibition of Card Matching is that its method is highly deceptive and significantly stimulates a gambling spirit. Also, from a systemic background, there were many complaints that children (minors) were targeted with products using this method, and children became addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Why Complete Gacha is illegal under the Prize Display Law<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs mentioned earlier, it became clear that Complete Gacha is illegal under the Prize Display Law due to the operation standards (Prize Restriction Notice Operation Standards) implemented by the Consumer Affairs Agency in July 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we will explain why Complete Gacha conflicts with the Prize Display Law and becomes illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Complete Gacha falls under “Card Matching”<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nComplete Gacha was deemed to fall under “Card Matching” in the aforementioned operation standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before that, Complete Gacha was a system that was widely implemented in online games, and many players (consumers) were paying for it. In one game, it is said that more than 15% of the total sales were from payments for Complete Gacha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Complete Gacha falls under “Prizes”<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nEach gacha itself is a paid system, and items are purchased through payments, so it does not fall under “prizes”. However, the items obtained by completing the gacha can be said to be prepared as a means to attract customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, the items provided in Complete Gacha offer some kind of “service”, such as enhancing the player’s abilities in the game. Furthermore, the items etc. provided in Complete Gacha are things that consumers want to get even if they have to pay money, and can be said to be an “economic benefit”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, the items provided by Complete Gacha fall under “prizes”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Falls under “Tokens” in Notice Article 5<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIn the gacha in the game, random items such as avatar dress-up items and battle items that can be used in the game were judged to fall under “tokens displaying two or more types of personalitys, pictures, symbols, etc.” in Notice Article 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the “Complete Gacha”, a mechanism where you collect these “token” payment items in a gacha and can get an item by completing a certain combination, can be said to have been judged to fall under “provision of prizes through a lottery that uses a method of presenting a specific combination”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Does “Complete Gacha” Constitute Gambling?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere was a time when some argued that “Complete Gacha” could be considered gambling under the Japanese Penal Code (Articles 187 to 187). Gambling is defined as wagering property such as goods or money. Some viewed the “Complete Gacha” system as a form of gambling, where rare items, a form of property, are at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the then Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission stated that there was no evidence to suggest that “Complete Gacha” fell under penal laws such as the gambling offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is thought to be due to the fact that rare items are merely data online, intangible and not considered property. Furthermore, it is difficult to argue that these rare items have monetary value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Trends Following the Reports on the Illegalization of Complete Gacha<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs previously mentioned, the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency declared the Complete Gacha system to be illegal in 2012 (Gregorian calendar year). Until then, the Complete Gacha system had been adopted in many games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to the Consumer Affairs Agency’s view that it was illegal, game companies discontinued the Complete Gacha one after another. However, as a result, the stock prices of game companies that had adopted the Complete Gacha system fell by as much as 25%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, many companies have established revenue models using methods other than Complete Gacha. However, there are still games that adopt systems that could potentially be considered Complete Gacha. For example, this is the case with foreign-made games that are not subject to such regulations overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, in the game “Call of Duty (CoD)”, the “Bonus Scoring Card” complete system has been removed only in the Japanese version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Conclusion: If you’re concerned about the legality of things like “Complete Gacha”, consult a lawyer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn this article, we have explained the reasons why “complete gacha” is illegal, mainly in relation to the Japanese Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is difficult and complex to determine which systems violate the Japanese Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and become illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are unsure about what kind of charging system can be released, please consult a lawyer who is proficient in data platforms and networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Introduction to Our Firm’s Measures <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMonolith Law Office is a legal office with high expertise in both IT, particularly the Internet, and law. The need for legal checks in conducting business, such as under the Japanese Premiums and Representations Act, is increasingly growing. Our firm analyzes the legal risks associated with businesses that have already started or are about to start, based on various legal regulations, and strives to legalize them as much as possible without stopping the business. Details are provided below.<\/p>\n\n\n\npractices\/corporate<\/div>\n<\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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