Numerous Genshin Impact and HoYoverse boycotters celebrated HoYoverse’s CEO Liu Wei aka Dawei’s car getting broken into as he made a trip to California.
A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse
According to a post on social media, Dawei’s rental car’s window was smashed and a laptop from an individual traveling with him was stolen while he was visiting Sunnyvale, California.
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For those unfamiliar with the situation, a boycott was launched against Genshin Impact and HoYoverse after the company revealed its upcoming characters from the Natlan region. A Change.org petition, which now has over 105,000 signatures, was created in July. It states, “We call on MiHoYo to stop cultural appropriation and whitewashing in their games and to commit to respectful and accurate representation of all cultures.”
It continues, “MiHoYo, a leading game development company, has repeatedly taken inspiration from indigenous cultures without proper representation and respect. In particular, the many characters from Sumeru and Natlan in Genshin Impact, and from Penacony in Honkai Star Rail are all clearly white or only lightly tanned at best, with the exception of some enemy NPCs which has sparked concerns of racism among players and indigenous communities.”
A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse
Next, it declares, “Cultural appropriation and whitewashing perpetuate harmful stereotypes and diminish the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. These practices not only misrepresent cultures but also contribute to ongoing marginalization and disrespect.”
It then issues a list of demands: “MiHoYo to: Engage with indigenous cultural consultants. Revise existing content to ensure accurate representation. Commit to creating diverse and inclusive characters.”
Screenshot of the Change.org petition against HoYoverse
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On top of this petition an X account called HYV Boycott also declares, “I think it’s safe to say that we have all had enough of the erasure of our cultures and identities. Today I introduce you all to Boycott Hoyoverse. We will be an account sharing how you can boycott. Spread the word! Anything helps.”
HYV Boycott on X
The account adds, “There has been a distinct lack of darker skin tones represented in the game; characters from these cultures are actively being heavily referenced but are being whitewashed. This is especially noticeable and ever-present in not only Sumeru and Natlan, but also in other nations.”
“These practices not only misrepresent said cultures, but also contribute to the ongoing marginalization and disrespect, that is perpetuating colorism further in the media; causing even more harm than good to communities and groups of individuals who are a part of them,” the account stated.
HYV Boycott on X
Genshin Impact and HoYoverse boycotters responded to this news by not only celebrating it, but attempting to use it to get HoYoverse to change the skin tone of its characters.
One user wrote, “CAN THE ROBBER MAKE THE CHARAS GET MELANIN.”
loonathesquirt on X
Another posted, “Crying, don’t tell me somebody actually black mailed him into giving the Natlan characters more melanin.”
SinCindered2 on X
Another wrote, “D*mn poor car.”
Treymvx posted, “i dont condone it but like…. owned.”
“Change the skintone lmao,” wrote another.
Genshin Impact boycotters respond to HoYoverse’s CEO’s rental car being robbed.
READ: HoYoverse Announces ‘Honkai: Star Rail’ And ‘Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Crossover
User Nomorainwallet posted, “As long as its not something that harms him and those around him directly, i approve it. We should make them know we are serious about the dark skin and boycott. #BoycottHTV”
When questioned if he approved of theft, the user responded, “Its not pixels if it takes influence from irl cultures and whitewashes them :) its very harmful.”
nomorainwallet on X
Another indicated he “deserved” it.
mary_milf63193 on X
As can be seen by the reactions above, many of these individuals are more upset that HoYoverse has created fictional worlds that do not cater to their divisive and controversial preferences rather than the fact that his car was broken into and a crime was committed.
In fact, many of them took the opportunity to defame him and approved of him being a victim of crime. This is unlikely to sway HoYoverse to accept their demands or even acknowledge the boycott to begin with.
Screenshot of Firefly from Honkai: Star Rail (2024), HoYoverse
HoYoverse previously responded to one person lodging a complaint about its characters by reminding them that the world of Teyvat, where Genshin Impact primarily takes place, is fictional.
X user hauntedfaee, who has apparently deleted his account, originally posted on July 12th a message he received from MiHoYo informing him that the game is fictional. The user posted, “‘Genshin is not real life’ Genshin Impact, What kind of response is this when a player submits feedback about racism and colorism? Embarrassing, unprofessional behaviour from a company of grown ups and supposed mature, well-read developers. #WhyAreTheyWhiteHoyo ?”
This reaction was made in response to HoYoverse informing him, “Please be kindly reminded that Genshin Impact is a work of fiction and is not related to actual people, events, groups, or organizations. We do really hope for your understanding.”
Hauntedfaee on X
Furthermore, HoYoverse saw its revenue between Zenless Zone Zero, Honkai: Star Rail, and Genshin Impact increase 8.8% in July compared to June despite the boycott.
According to Gacha Revenue, HoYoverse grossed $177.4 million in July between the three games compared to $163 million in June from Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact. If you go back to May, July’s grosses were 23% higher. It grossed $144 million in May between Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.
Character art from Honkai: Star Rail (2024), HoYoverse
What do you make of these responses from the Genshin Impact and HoYoverse boycotters?
