By john 
In 2025, the live-service RPG genre has reached full maturity, led by the “Genshin-style” formula that combines open-world design, anime aesthetics, and constant event cycles. Titles like Wuthering Waves, Zenless Zone Zero, and Project Mugen OTPKLIK are now household names, reshaping the global gaming economy.
According to AppMagic data, gacha-based action RPGs collectively generated over $18 billion in revenue last year — surpassing even console exclusives. Analysts attribute this to an evolution in engagement models. “These games are no longer just cash grabs,” said market researcher Evelyn Tan. “They’re persistent worlds that update like TV series.”
Publishers are also competing on narrative and production quality. HoYoverse continues to expand its cinematic storytelling, while Korean developer Shift Up’s Stellar Blade Online integrates multiplayer missions with narrative arcs.
However, ethical debates persist. Regulators in the EU and Japan have introduced stricter gacha transparency rules to prevent predatory monetization. Developers are responding with “fair play” guarantees — systems showing drop rates in real time and offering pity counters across banners.
Despite the controversies, one thing is clear: live-service RPGs are no fad. Their fusion of mobile accessibility, narrative depth, and social integration is defining what the next decade of gaming might look like.