The ongoing boycott of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero developer HoYoverse has completely failed as Zenless Zone Zero raked in nearly $100 million in July.
A screenshot from Zenless Zone Zero (2024), HoYoverse
The boycotters via a Change.org petition accuse HoYoverse of cultural appropriation and whitewashing. The petition, which currently has over 104,000 signatures, 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
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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
A number of voice actors also joined their voices to the boycotters. Anne Yatco, who voices Raiden Shogun in Genshin Impact posted, “I really hope that a video game company listens to its fanbase when valid criticism is made multiple years in a row about the execution of its research and inclusion of elements/aspects of other cultures.”
Anne Yatco on X
Albedo voice actor Khoi Dao also shared on X, “If a game draws so heavily from real-world cultures and bases a character on the supreme deity of Yoruba religion, and that character ends up looking like pale sasuke batman, people are absolutely within their rights to demand better representation, ESPECIALLY when said game has a clearly-stated commitment to a *global* audience.”
He added, “I hope y’all keeping make your voices heard, and I hope they listen.”
Khoi Dao on X
The boycott and these voice actors complaints appear to have little to no affect at all on HoYoverse’s revenue. According to Gacha Revenue, Zenless Zone Zero raked in $68.8 million from Chinese players and another $31 million from its global player base in July. That’s a total of $99.8 million.
Honkai: Star Rail raked in $21 million from its global player base and another $19.3 million from China. That’s a total of $40.3 million. Now, that is down from June where the game raked in $35 million globally and $60.5 million in China. That’s a total of $95.5 million.
A screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail (2023), HoYoverse
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As for Genshin Impact, it grossed $19.3 million in China and another $18 million globally for a total of $37.3 million. That’s also down from June where it grossed $38.5 million in China and $29 million globally for a total of $67.5 million.
While Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact decreased, Zenless Zone Zero made up for it. Combined Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact saw their revenues decline by $85.4 million. However, as noted above, Zenless Zone Zero raked in $99.8 million.
A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2021), MiHoYo
Overall, between Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse grossed $163 million in June. In July, between Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse grossed $177.4 million. That’s an 8.8% increase in revenue from month to month.
This is also an increase from May when Honkai: Star Rail grossed $55 million in China and another $36 million globally for a total of $91 million. Genshin Impact grossed $30.3 million in China and another $23 million globally for a total of $53.3 million. Combined the two games grossed $144 million in May. July’s grosses are 23% higher than May.
A screenshot from Zenless Zone Zero (2024), HoYoverse
What do you make of HoYoverse’s monthly revenues continuing to increase by significant percentages despite some players claiming to boycott?
