Genshin Impact and HoYoverse boycotters are not happy that the developer’s revenue increased nearly 10% despite their ongoing boycott.
A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse
According to Gacha Revenue, HoYoverse’s newly released game Zenless Zone Zero raked in a total of $99.8 million in revenue for the month of July. It also brought in $40.3 million from Honkai: Star Rail and another $37.3 million from Genshin Impact. Between the three games HoYoverse grossed $177.4 million.
In comparison, HoYoverse grossed a total of $163 million between Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact in June. Thus the company saw its revenues increase 8.8% between June and July.
If you go back to May, it looks even better. HoYoverse grossed $144 million between Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. July’s grosses are 23% higher than May.
A screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail (2024), HoYoverse
Despite the boycott clearly not having any effect whatsoever, boycotters are doubling down and promising to escalate their tactics. X user AvenOfStrats posted, “We’re just getting started. The boycott isn’t going anywhere until we achieve our goals. We will keep escalating until HoYoverse stop whitewashing and provide authentic representation in their games.”
AvenOfStrats on X
HarbingerGirls posted, “Remember to keep boycotting and talking about the petition!! #RepresentationMatters #BoycottHyv.”
The user added, “Don’t forget to sign the petition if you haven’t yet!!”
HarbingerGirls on X
The petition, which currently has over 104,000 signatures, explains why these individuals are boycotting. 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 (2021), MiHoYo
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.”
A screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail (2023), HoYoverse
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
READ: Baldur’s Gate 3 Actor Claims Diversity-Driven Storylines are Being Cut Throughout the Gaming World
A couple of the boycotters have shared responses they’ve received from HoYoverse. 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 MiHoYo 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
More recently, X user Kaavinator claimed that a canned response was a victory. The user wrote, “This is the response I got from HYV. I do think they’re being careful with their words now because of the backlash. Don’t let HYV get away with it, guys! #BoycottHYV #WhyAreTheyWhiteHoyo”
The message from HoYoverse states, “Thank you for contacting us. We really appreciate your feedback. To update you, we have recorded your opinions and forward them to the appropriate team. If you have any other suggestions about our game, you can also feel free to share them by opening Paimon Menu and clicking [Feedback]- [Suggestion Box]. Wish you a joyful journey!”
kaavinator on X
What do you make of these reactions from the Genshin Impact and HoYoverse boycotters?
