If you have kids who are into gaming, chances are you’ve heard about Gacha Life. Launched in 2018, the platform now has more than 50,000,000 downloads across iOS, Google Play Stores and PC. There’s even a Wiki Fandom page dedicated to this app—but if you’re not sure about this platform beyond the fact that it’s a role-playing game, we have you covered!
What is Gacha Life and how does it work?
The word “gacha” is a Japanese term used to describe vending machines that dispense small toys. Gacha Life is a role-playing game that takes this idea into the digital world and it can be played on mobile or PCs. A player starts by creating their anime-inspired avatar and they can choose their hair, eyes, clothes and accessories. (More on the accessories later!)
Once a player has designed their avatar, they are free to explore the Gacha world. Users can explore in Life Mode and meet many of the Non-Player Characters or NPCs. Life Mode allows users to see all different parts of the Gacha world, like the park, school, town, city and station. There’s even the ability to go to the desert, bamboo village and a place called Spookyville.
There are a variety of games where players can earn gems, and these gems are the currency in Gacha Life. Another popular feature in Gacha Life is the Studio, which allows users to pose different avatars, have them interact, and create scenes and skits. The studio can be used as a way for kids to be creative, especially if they’re into anime or animation!
Is Gacha Life safe for kids?
The Google Play Store rated Gacha Life E for Everyone and it’s rated for ages 9+ in the App Store. When Gacha Life first launched, there was a chat function that allowed users from all over the world to interact—but the open forum led to some questionable content. Now, users can only interact with chat robots and NPCs. Even though kids can’t talk to strangers anymore in Gatcha Life, it’s still important to have open and honest conversations with kids about their usage, and what they create and share.
As mentioned above, when players design their avatars, they get to choose the accessories. Among the options are various weapons like knives and guns. Not all accessories are violent in nature, though. Some are umbrellas, mics and bamboo sticks.
What else should parents know about Gacha Life?
Parents should be aware that Gacha Life offers in-app purchases, allowing users to buy gems rather than earn them for free in the games. These gems are the currency in Gacha Life and they also give a player stamina or life. Without the gems, players essentially run out of lives and have to wait to be able to play games again. Monitoring Gacha Life use and having open conversations with kids can help them understand that they are spending actual money when making in-app purchases.
It’s not unusual for Gacha Life users to upload their content to platforms like YouTube and TikTok. In fact, when the Gacha Life app is first downloaded and users have the option of taking a tutorial, it’s recommended that you check out YouTube to see what other users have created. Some of the content uploaded has become known as Gacha Heat. This content can be quite inappropriate and is often violent or sexual. Not all the content is risky like this, but if kids come across something upsetting, it is important for them to know they can talk to you and share what they found. With a bit of supervision, exploring Gatcha Life content can be fun and helpful for kids—and it may also open up opportunities to discuss what they like about the app and why.
Gacha Life can be an opportunity for kids to have fun and be creative. But, it’s important to have an open and honest dialogue around kids’ screen time, and what they share and create. These conversations and opportunities help kids grow into responsible digital citizens. Of course, it can be helpful (and fun!) for parents to play alongside their kids as well.
If you’re looking for a safe, fun story builder to explore with your kids, check out Kinzoo Adventures! This app makes it easy for children to create tap into their creativity and share their videos with family and friends.
