Game Groups > Gameplay feature: Character gacha

Gashapon machines are a type of vending machine that distributes collectible toys or figures. Each play of the machine gives the user one random toy out of a set, thus requiring customers to spend a lot of money to complete their collection. Games with this feature use a similar system for the acquisition of playable characters or "character cards", in which some amount of in-game items or currency can be exchanged for one opportunity to summon or generate a random character. Some characters may only be available during limited event periods.

These games almost universally use a freemium model; while players may be given a certain amount of free chances at the gacha and/or be able to earn the required currency through gameplay, there is typically also an option to spend real-world money. For this reason, several countries have legal restrictions on games with gacha features, as they can be considered a form of gambling.