Webzen Faces a Heavy Fine Over Deceptive Gacha Tactics
The South Korean game maker Webzen, known for MU Archangel, was hit with a 158 million won fine. That amounts to around $107,000. The Korea Fair Trade Commission found problems in how the game used its gacha system.
How the Gacha Trick Worked
Investigators say the game showed normal odds for rare items. In truth, players had a zero chance of winning those items at first. The system hid minimum buy requirements in three types of draw tickets. Real chances stayed at zero until players pulled 50 to 149 times. Yet the game still flashed odds like 0.88% or 0.286%.
Proof of a Hidden Cost
The findings show a clear mismatch between what players saw and what they faced. The listed percentages did not match the real odds. Fans were kept in the dark until big buys piled up. This setup looked like a teaser but hid a high price to win. The KFTC labeled the practice as Deceptive Marketing tied to gacha.
Past Warnings and a Slow Response
Webzen did not wait to act. In early 2024, the company apologized for “probability errors.” It called the issue a display problem and offered refunds. But the KFTC notes that only about 860 players out of over 20,000 got compensation. During the probe, Webzen is said to have earned around 6.7 billion won from selling these misleading gacha items. Regulators said it would keep a close eye on how gacha rules are set.
A Growing Watch on the Gacha Scene
This case isn’t alone. The KFTC has kept a careful eye on big publishers. In 2025, it checked firms like Krafton, Gravity, Com2uS, and WeMade for similar concerns. The push aims to curb tricks that push fans to spend more. Regulators want clear odds and fair refunds. They want to stamp out moves that hide the real price of luck.
What This Means for Players
For many in MU Archangel, the lesson is clear. It pays to question the odds shown on screen. Players should look for clear rules about draws and refunds. A misleading odds display can grab money fast, then leave you with little recourse. The fine signals that future off-menu tricks could face the full force of the law. Fans now hope for more open rules and prompt compensation when errors occur.
Industry Impact and a Shift in Practice
The case signals a tighter path for gacha use in Korea. Studios must publish true rates and give fair chances. They must keep a real, easy path to refunds for players who were misled. The market also gains with stronger audits on how tickets work. That can lead to steadier spending and less surprise on the wallet.
What to Watch Next
Experts expect more checks as Regulators widen their look at in-game purchases. Companies may need to revise draw ticket formats. Clear, simple odds will replace hard-to-read numbers. Refund programs could also expand so more players get paid back when errors occur. The aim is a greener field where players trust what they see on screen.
Looking Ahead for Webzen and MU Archangel
This ruling adds pressure on Webzen to clean up its micro-transaction flow. The brand will likely rework how it shows odds and handles refunds. Fans hope for faster action and clearer notices when odds shift. A fair system benefits both players and the game itself, keeping the world of MU Archangel vibrant.
Regulatory Signals for the Broader Market
The decision serves as a warning to the bigger crowd. It shows Regulators will take a hard look at how odds are shown. If a game tries to hide true chances, it risks more penalties. The push is to keep loot boxes and gacha fair and open. This momentum could spark reforms beyond Korea.
Closing Thoughts for the Community
Gamers deserve honest odds and simple paths to refunds. The Webzen case reminds studios that truth in numbers matters. A clear approach builds trust and keeps players coming back. As Regulators keep watch, the lines between fun and fair practice grow clearer.
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