Summary
- MiHoYo faces backlash for alleged cultural appropriation and whitewashing in games like Genshin Impact.
- Petitioners demand authentic representation, collaboration with experts, and diverse characters.
- The number of signatures for the petition is growing, urging MiHoYo to address cultural concerns promptly.
A petition aimed at addressing alleged cultural appropriation and whitewashing in MiHoYo games, including Genshin Impact, has gained significant traction. The number of signatories is steadily increasing, nearing the required total to prompt the company to take action within Genshin Impact and its other games.
MiHoYo, officially known as Shanghai MiHoYo Network Technology Co., Ltd., is a Chinese video game development and publishing company founded in 2012. MiHoYo is well-known for creating popular games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. The company has expanded its reach beyond gaming into various forms of media, including animated series, comics, music, novels, and merchandise. MiHoYo is driven by its slogan "Tech Otakus Save the World," reflecting its focus on leveraging technology and a deep passion for anime, comics, and games. However, the company has faced controversy regarding its representation of certain cultures in its video games.
Genshin Impact Leak Teases Natlan Map Expansion for Version 5.0
A recent Genshin Impact leak reveals the size and placement of Version 5.0, while also teasing a new exploration feature coming in Natlan.
So far, 60,915 out of a target of 75,000 people have signed the petition, with 16,042 of those signatures collected just today. The petition, hosted on the website Change.org, urges MiHoYo to commit to respectful and accurate representation of all cultures and to cease cultural appropriation and whitewashing in their games. Similar to previous Genshin Impact controversies, petitioners argue that the company appropriates indigenous cultures without proper representation. This issue is particularly prominent with characters from the Sumeru and Natlan regions in Genshin Impact, and from Penacony in Honkai Star Rail.
What Solution Are Petitioners Demanding from MiHoYo?
The petition calls on MiHoYo to collaborate with indigenous cultural experts, meticulously review current content for authenticity, and pledge to introduce a spectrum of diverse and respectful characters. According to the petitioners, these steps are crucial, particularly ahead of the Natlan region's debut in Genshin Impact, to ensure that these representations are accurate and inclusive.
Genshin Impact has faced significant backlash over accusations of whitewashing and cultural appropriation in the past, particularly with its Sumeru update. Critics argue that characters from the Middle Eastern and South Asian-inspired region predominantly have light skin tones, failing to represent the diversity of these cultures accurately. Additionally, characters like Dori have been seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and pronunciation changes for names to cater to Western audiences have also sparked controversy.
This petition underscores the significance of accurate and respectful cultural representation within the gaming industry, urging MiHoYo to promptly address these pressing concerns. As the petition gathers more signatures, it remains uncertain how MiHoYo will respond to the increasing demands.
Genshin Impact
- Released
- September 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.
You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.
Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds...
MASSIVE OPEN WORLD
Climb any mountain, swim across any river, and glide over the world below, taking in the jaw-dropping scenery each step of the way. And if you stop to investigate a wandering Seelie or strange mechanism, who knows what you might discover?
ELEMENTAL COMBAT SYSTEM
Harness the seven elements to unleash elemental reactions. Anemo, Electro, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, and Geo interact in all sorts of ways, and Vision wielders have the power to turn this to their advantage.
Will you vaporize Hydro with Pyro, electro-charge it with Electro, or freeze it with Cryo? Your mastery of the elements will give you the upper hand in battle and exploration.
BEAUTIFUL VISUALS
Feast your eyes on the world around you, with a stunning art style, real-time rendering, and finely tuned character animations delivering you a truly immersive visual experience. Lighting and weather all change naturally over time, bringing every detail of this world to life.
SOOTHING SOUNDTRACK
Let the beautiful sounds of Teyvat draw you in as you explore the expansive world around you. Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the soundtrack changes seamlessly with the time and gameplay to match the mood.
BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM
Team up with a diverse cast of characters in Teyvat, each with their own unique personalities, stories, and abilities. Discover your favorite party combinations and level up your characters to help you conquer even the most daunting of enemies and domains.
JOURNEY WITH FRIENDS
Team up with friends across various platforms to trigger more elemental action, tackle tricky boss fights, and conquer challenging domains together to reap rich rewards.
As you stand atop the peaks of Jueyun Karst and take in the rolling clouds and vast terrain stretching out before you, you may wish to stay in Teyvat a little longer... But until you are reunited with your lost sibling, how can you rest? Go forth, Traveler, and begin your adventure!
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Publisher(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, iOS, Android
- Metascore
- 86
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
