Gacha System for Character Summoning

The gacha system in Aetherion Chronicles is the primary method through which players can obtain new characters, especially those of higher rarity and collectible value. It represents a key mechanic in the progression loop, but it is also closely integrated with the NFT component of the project, offering an innovative way to introduce on-chain elements without sacrificing the quality of the gameplay.


What is Gacha

Gacha is a system inspired by the mechanics of Japanese games, where players spend a currency (in-game or premium) to receive a random character from a predefined pool. The appeal of gacha lies in the combination of luck, collectability, and strategy, offering:

  • Replayability through cyclic banners and limited events

  • Customization thanks to the variety of characters

  • Excitement in the summoning process through visual effects, animations, and epic reveals


Ethics and Transparency of the Gacha System

In the design of Aetherion Chronicles' gacha system, a top priority was to avoid the common pitfalls of "predatory gacha," which is often criticized for encouraging compulsive spending without offering transparency or real guarantees to players. Therefore, our approach is based on four key principles:

1. Transparency of Probabilities All gacha banners will clearly display the drop rates for each rarity and each featured character. The rates will not be hidden or masked behind cumulative calculations. The probabilities will be:

  • Published in-game (visible before each summon)

  • Verifiable on the official website

  • Trackable through potential on-chain calls in NFT banners

2. Pity System and Gradual Rewards

The integration of a progressive Pity System ensures that players are not stuck in the frustration of "getting nothing." Even less fortunate summons accumulate value, in the form of shards, summoning points, or milestones. Additionally, every summon is meaningful, contributing to:

  • Pity System: After a predefined number of summons without obtaining a high-level character, the next one will be guaranteed.

  • Shard System: Every "unlucky" summon provides shards or points that can be spent to obtain the desired character.

  • Cumulative Summoning Bonus: Summoning multiple times on the same banner unlocks milestones with extra rewards.

These features prevent RNG frustration and encourage steady progression even in the less fortunate cases.

3. Separation Between Gameplay and Speculation

The gacha system is not designed as a "crypto lottery," but as a mechanic for expanding the roster and exploring strategic possibilities. Monetization through NFTs is optional, non-invasive, and never necessary to enjoy the game in its entirety.

Those who wish to collect and trade can do so. Those who just want to play can do so without any barriers.

4. Conscious Limitations

  • NFT banners will have a maximum summon cap to ensure scarcity and control over the supply.

  • Some banners may require progression in the game to be unlocked, preventing new users from being immediately directed towards spending.

  • The use of automation or bots to maximize summons is actively discouraged (and this will also be technically countered).


Types of Gacha

Aetherion Chronicles features several types of gacha banners, each with its own pool and drop mechanics:

1. Standard Gacha

  • Always available

  • Includes base and rare characters (off-chain)

  • Occasional rotation of characters

2. Limited Event Banner

  • Available for short periods

  • Includes exclusive characters, often tied to the story or seasonal events

  • Increased summon rate for featured characters

3. NFT Banner

  • Allows summoning of characters mintable on the blockchain

  • Requires premium currency ($AETH) or specific items

  • Summoned characters can be soft-minted or turned into real NFTs on Solana

4. Special Gacha (Collab, Skins, Artifacts)

  • Summoning of aesthetic skins, special effects, or equipable items

  • Does not affect competitive balance

  • Available only for NFTs (on-chain)


Currencies Used

The gacha system accepts different currencies based on the type of banner:

  • Gold (in-game currency, obtainable through gameplay)

  • $AETH (utility token on-chain)

  • Event Tokens (specific currency for limited-time events)

  • Summon Tickets (obtainable as rewards or in the marketplace)

The presence of multiple currencies helps balance the accessibility and value of the banners, keeping the system appealing for all player profiles (free-to-play, low spenders, whales, collectors, NFT investors).


Connection with NFTs

One of the innovations in Aetherion Chronicles is the ability to transform certain characters obtained through gacha or given by the game into real NFTs through a soft minting process. This mechanic allows to:

  • Avoid unnecessary costs for each summon (base characters remain off-chain)

  • Allow the player to choose if and when to turn a character into an NFT

  • Ensure ownership and tradability of rare characters

  • Limit supply: NFT characters are tied to specific banners and a limited number of summons

Additionally, NFT characters can unlock:

  • Exclusive skins

  • Custom animations

  • Aesthetic or PvP bonuses


Summoning Visual Experience

The summoning is designed to be spectacular, exciting, and immersive:

  • Different animations depending on rarity

  • Unique music and sound effects

  • Narrative transitions for legendary characters

  • Option to "skip" the animation for experienced users


Future Gacha Roadmap

Over time, the gacha system will evolve by introducing:

  • Community Choice Banners, voted on by players

  • Lore-Based Summons, unlockable only by progressing through the story

  • Fusion/Combine-Shard Mechanics to summon unique characters

  • Integrated Marketplace to resell NFT characters obtained via gacha

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