Summary
- Genshin Impact's developer, HoYoverse, has come under fire for using AI-generated art as part of the rewards for a web event, which has sparked controversy within the gaming industry.
- The game's anniversary rewards have been a source of disappointment for players, and HoYoverse has faced criticism in the past for other issues, such as allegations of underpayment for voice actors.
- Fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the overall quality of the web event, pointing out various flaws and changes in reward distribution. This controversy arises amidst an otherwise exciting period for Genshin Impact with the release of a new region and anticipated character.
The newest web event for Genshin Impact has seen developer HoYoverse accused of using AI-animated art as part of the rewards for participating in the event. The use of AI art has become a touchy subject within the gaming industry as the rising popularity of artificial intelligence has seen significant backlash, both from fans and artists. Several popular games like Dungeons and Dragons and Pokemon GO have been criticized for using AI art, often prompting changes from the developers in response to fan outcry. Now, HoYoverse is the newest developer to find itself in an AI controversy.
As one of the most popular free-to-play games in the world, Genshin Impact's massive success has brought its fair share of controversy as well. HoYoverse's lackluster rewards for the game's anniversaries have been a particular pain point for players, often seeing criticism and backlash from unhappy fans expecting more from the celebration. The developer would also be involved in another high-profile scandal earlier this year, with some of the game's voice cast allegedly not receiving proper payment for their roles within Genshin Impact. Now, AI art is the subject of Genshin Impact's newest debacle.
Genshin Impact's newest web event, titled "Glad Tidings from Afar," has seen significant controversy for its reported use of AI-generated art. The event, focused on highlighting the recently released soundtrack for Fontaine, tasks players with listening to the new songs and sending them to in-game characters like Tighnari and Yun Jin. Fans have noticed several issues with the animated emotes associated with the event's rewards, including errors with Yun Jin's outlines in her animation and Diona's hairline moving in one emote. HoYoverse has yet to make a statement about the accusations.
Fans have been critical in general about the overall quality of Genshin Impact's newest web event, citing a drop in polish compared to past events. Some fans have reported minor issues with the web event, including improper borders causing part of the game's logo to be cropped out. The event's distribution of its Primogem rewards also sports a different reward system from past events, using a code-based system instead of Genshin Impact's typical account-linked rewards. Rewards for the event are reportedly limited due to the new code-reliant system.
The newest Genshin Impact controversy comes amidst a busy few months for the massively popular RPG. August would see the release of Genshin Impact's fifth major region of Fontaine, adding a plethora of new places to explore alongside new combat and exploration mechanics. One of the region's most highly-anticipated characters is also expected to release during the RPG's next update with the Hydro Archon Furina. HoYoverse's reported use of AI art looks to be a particularly sour spot of an otherwise exciting time for fans of Genshin Impact.
Genshin Impact is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and mobile devices. A Switch version is in development.
Source: Destructoid