To date, we can see that Gacha games have become a prominent genre globally. Over nearly two decades, many titles have made a significant mark in the gaming community. They not only generate impressive revenue but also provide rich content, successful development, and a strong community connection. In this article, we will explore the most iconic names in the Gacha game genre from 2010 to 2025.
Dragon Collection – The “Father” of Modern Gacha Games
Launched in Japan in 2010 on feature phones through Mobage, Dragon Collection is considered the pioneering game that introduced the Gacha system (random draws to collect character cards) into a complete gaming ecosystem. Players collect cards, upgrade them, and battle through various missions.
Despite its simple graphics and gameplay compared to current standards, Dragon Collection left a significant impact, paving the way for the surge of Gacha games that followed. The commercial success of Dragon Collection has inspired many robust developers in this genre, particularly companies like GREE, DeNA, and later Cygames.
Brave Frontier – A Game-Changer in the Gacha Genre
If Dragon Collection was the foundation, then Brave Frontier (2013) was the title that brought Gacha gaming into international markets. With its engaging turn-based gameplay, pixel art style, and a plethora of collectible characters, Brave Frontier provided a unique Gacha experience for the global gaming community. The game quickly achieved significant success in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe, marking a new wave of Gacha gaming.
Brave Frontier’s strength lies in creating an enticing gameplay experience and strategy throughout its development process, motivating players to “pull again”. To this day, its influence remains evident in the gaming community.
Fate/Grand Order – A Cultural Phenomenon
Released in 2015, Fate/Grand Order (FGO) is a testament to the Gacha genre, not merely as a luck-based game but as a platform for creating rich, narrative-driven content. Based on the popular Fate franchise, FGO explores humanity through various “Singularities” – story chapters with deep philosophical themes.
With its simple gameplay but captivating narrative arcs, FGO has garnered a massive global player base over nearly a decade. Especially in Japan, FGO has become a “national game,” consistently ranking high in revenue for many years. With total revenues exceeding $7 billion, it stands as one of the most successful Gacha games of all time.
Genshin Impact – A New Era of Gacha Games
In 2020, Genshin Impact from miHoYo launched and quickly made waves worldwide. Breaking free from traditional gameplay constraints, Genshin introduced players to an expansive open world, where Gacha characters became an integral part of the exploration experience.
The combination of real-time action, high-quality anime aesthetics, and JRPG-style storytelling has propelled Genshin to be a console, PC, and mobile game. Within three years, Genshin has generated over $5 billion and continues to be a cultural phenomenon.
Honkai: Star Rail – Maintaining miHoYo’s Legacy
Following the success of Genshin, Honkai: Star Rail launched in 2023 as a testament to the growth of the Gacha genre. Set in a sprawling universe, the game adopts turn-based combat mechanics – a strategic pivot for miHoYo.
With its “gacha” gameplay, compelling characters, and a vibrant community, Star Rail quickly developed a dedicated player base. In its first year, the game generated over $1.3 billion, establishing itself among the top mobile game rankings. To this day, Honkai: Star Rail continues to thrive in the Gacha landscape alongside Genshin Impact and other titles, significantly contributing to miHoYo’s dominance in the industry for years to come.
