- A new survey reveals that 18.8% of young Japanese gamers struggle financially due to gacha spending.
- Around 20.8% admitted they couldn’t enjoy games without spending.
Spending on games has been increasing over time, but it has extended to levels where people are even struggling with living expenses. A new survey reveals that chasing virtual rewards is hitting real-world wallets, and nearly 1 in 5 are feeling the pinch as Japanese gamers struggle financially.
Nearly a quarter said they regretted spending money on in-game purchases
A recent survey by SMBC Consumer Finance, reported by Automaton Media, has shed light on how young adults in Japan spend their money on games. Conducted in February 2025 with 1,000 participants aged 20 to 29, the survey looked at different lifestyle expenses, including in-game purchases.
One of the more surprising results showed that 18.8% of young people admitted to spending so much on gacha games that they couldn’t cover their living costs. Meanwhile, 23.9% of them said they regretted spending money on in-game items.
The data also shows a growing acceptance of spending for in-game advantages. About 17.9% of all participants said they were willing to pay to get ahead in games, with male players showing a bigger jump compared to last year.
Interestingly, 20.8% of respondents said they couldn’t enjoy the game unless they made purchases. Women are still less likely to spend than men, but both genders are increasing their spending habits at a similar pace.
The rising trend in gaming addiction calls for government regulation
It’s honestly concerning when gaming starts eating into real-life essentials like rent or food. Cases like these aren’t just limited to teenagers, either. I remember covering that wild story last year where a 31-year-old man from Japan blew through his grandmother’s $250,000 savings on a mobile MMORPG.
That wasn’t just a one-off; it shows how deep spending addiction can run, regardless of age. With nearly 1 in 5 young Japanese gamers struggle financially with living costs due to gacha spending, it’s clear something needs to change.
Maybe Japan could take a page from China’s playbook, where they’ve started rolling out regulations to keep excessive in-game spending in check. At some point, governments might need to step in not just to protect kids or youngsters but also adults.
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