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'Boycott Genshin Impact': Game slammed as 'hurtful' over monstrous indigenous characters, lack of inclusivity

From few updates to the sexualization of women, the game is said to have many problems but most are talking about the villainization of indigenous people

Genshin Impact started trending on Twitter after many pointed out that the online game lacked representation and inclusivity. Users talked about how the online game has used the indigenous characters as only monsters and sexualized a younger character. Many other issues came to light as netizens discussed the lack of non-White characters in the game.

On April 5, the hashtag boycott Genshin Impact started trending on Twitter where players of the game came forward and listed down the issues with the popular game, which has been loved by users all across the globe for its interesting gameplay and extremely strong character lineup plus regular updates. Among the concerns shared by social media users, the most talked about were the villainization of indigenous people and the lack of inclusivity.

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'Makes us feel like we are being mocked'

Genshin Impact, the action role-playing game by the Chinese company miHoYo features an open world where various magical and enchanting characters battle using weapons, and the players can upgrade the game using 'gacha game monetization'. The game was first released in September 2020 and became an instant hit for introducing strong characters and addictive gameplay. But here's where went wrong, according to gamers online.

A user said, "#boycottgenshin your prices are too fucking high for only a handful of rolls, your TWO dark-skinned characters are described as "exotic" and "scary", you stole and applied MY culture (indigenous) to MONSTERS IN THE GAME you're an awful company mihoyo!" Another user pointed out, "i want to talk about the #BOYCOTTGENSHIN tag. as an a indigenous person, i just want to say that the hilichurls being inspired by indigenous people is absolutely not okay. people used to laugh at their dance and just people (including me) now finding out about this is really + hurtful. it makes us feel like we are being mocked for something that means so much to us. our culture is not something for you to take and just use mihoyo. it is not okay, its not funny, and im really disappointed. alot of us are."

Users have also noted that the hashtag is more about accountability and acknowledgment than canceling a game. A user wrote, "#boycottgenshin i hope this tag doesnt come off as ppl "canceling" genshin (which is maybe near impossible since this is a company) but instead make mihoyo be accountable for their actions !!! accountability =/= canceling!" Another user shared, "its nice that yall are talkin abt this but dont turn this into a "mihoyo's so greedy!! not givin us primos or new content" cuz while that is its own problem the treatment of darker skinned characters and literally villainizing indigenous ppl is much more important #boycottgenshin!"

A user summed up all the issues including the issue of security writing, "#boycottgenshin long story short, mihoyo - mocked indigenous people - shitty security system - rates that are a scam - hints of pedophilia - despite making a continent based on a country in asia has not added a dark skinned character for representation - racist remarks!" Speaking on the issues of security concern and the need of two steps authentication, a user wrote, "// MIHOYO PLEASE fix Genshin Impact's account security. Two-step authentication should be mandatory. It's alarming how people's accounts can get hacked by a mere child. Money, hardwork and time was spent onto them."

'More adult women are introduced'

The online game has also been accused of disproportionate character ratios where more adult women are introduced. A user noted, "actually, my friend and i were just discussing the sexualization of women in genshin not too long ago. we noticed there was a much larger amount of adult women in genshin compared to men, and they all had risky introduction shots!"

A user shared a different opinion on the issue of sexualization saying, "mhy does a lot wrong but i saw someone say genshin women are oversexualized and like. that’s incredibly stupid bc having big boobs isnt inherently sexualization!" and added, "genuinely the worst of it is lisa being flirtatious and thats a single character. genshin is generally good about making compelling female characters and its not mhys fault the fanbase just talks about the same 3 men constantly. idk i think a lot of you are reaching."

'Fans getting tired of no big updates'

Gamers have also pointed out the issue of releasing strategy and lack of complete content sharing. "As much as the indigenous issues as well as racisms in the game should be talked about and complained to MHY, the boycott Genshin hashtag doesn't start from that. Its legit just fans getting tired of no big updates and after some talk about MHY not releasing a completed content!"

The company miHoYo hasn't addressed the issue yet while netizens wait for the company to acknowledge the concerns and introduce a more inclusive storyline and characters. 

Watch a clip of the latest shared teaser of the game here.