The Challenges and Triumphs of Genshin Impact’s Early Days: Overcoming Misunderstandings and Accusations

Genshin Impact Overcomes Misunderstandings to Become a Massive Success

When the gacha game Genshin Impact was first introduced to the world, it faced numerous comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Some even went as far as accusing it of being a mere “clone” of Link’s new open-world adventure. However, years later, after the game has generated billions in revenue, miHoYo’s president Liu Wei reflected on this challenging phase of the game’s life during the recent ‘Genshin Impact FES’ event. He acknowledged the team’s initial pride during the closed beta launch but revealed that the feedback and “misunderstandings” eventually led some colleagues to tears.

Although Wei did not explicitly mention Zelda, he referred to the early stages of the project’s reveal as an “unprecedented crisis.” At the time, a passionate Zelda fan even smashed a PlayStation 4 in protest of Genshin Impact’s perceived similarities. Wei’s statement, roughly translated by @tokinohikaru_00 on Twitter (via Nintendo Everything), shed light on the team’s concerns: “When I put out the closed beta, I was pretty proud, full of hope and thinking we did well, but the closed beta’s response is, it’s like it’s different from our assumptions, it’s completely different. So when we did the closed beta, we faced an unprecedented crisis. Everyone just saw the video of the closed beta and said, ‘we don’t really understand what Genshin is trying to do.’ Not many understood, and there were a lot of misunderstandings. So at the time, in our team, everyone was really worried. I remember many young colleagues crying and saying to me, ‘Why is this happening? What did we do wrong?’ But this youthful innocence – you could say we are fearless. We thought and acted.”

Developer miHoYo had previously admitted to drawing inspiration from Breath of the Wild but always maintained that Genshin Impact offered a “very different” experience. Despite the challenging period leading up to the game’s launch and in its early years, Genshin Impact has emerged as a live service powerhouse.

However, the promised release of Genshin Impact on the Nintendo Switch seems to have gone missing in action. An update from May last year indicated that the project was still in development for Nintendo’s hybrid platform, but no further updates have been provided since then. Rumors in 2021 suggested that technical issues may have hindered the release on the Switch.

As fans eagerly await news of a potential Nintendo release, the question remains: Would you like to see Genshin Impact one day available on a Nintendo platform? Share your thoughts below.

[source: twitter.com, via nintendoeverything.com, ign.com]

What were some initial misconceptions about Genshin Impact and how did the game overcome them to prove its unique qualities?

” However, the team was determined to overcome these misunderstandings and prove the unique qualities of their game. And, indeed, they succeeded.

Genshin Impact, developed by Chinese studio miHoYo, has become a massive success since its release in September 2020. It is a free-to-play action role-playing game that takes place in the enchanting world of Teyvat. Players embark on a thrilling adventure, discovering stunning landscapes, battling dangerous enemies, and uncovering hidden secrets.

One of the major misconceptions that hindered Genshin Impact’s early reception was its resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game’s stunning visuals, open-world exploration, and even some gameplay mechanics bore certain similarities to Nintendo’s critically acclaimed title. This led to accusations of Genshin Impact being a mere clone or copycat.

However, as players delved deeper into the game, they discovered its unique elements and captivating storytelling. Genshin Impact introduced a diverse cast of characters, each with their own personalities, abilities, and backstories. The game also offered a complex elemental system, where players could combine different elements in combat for strategic advantages.

Furthermore, Genshin Impact stood out with its free-to-play model. While the game offered microtransactions through a gacha system, where players could obtain powerful characters and weapons, it did not force players to spend money to progress or enjoy the game. This fair approach garnered praise from players who appreciated the balance between free and paid content.

As Genshin Impact gained popularity, it proved its worth through its impressive financial success. The game’s revenue has surpassed $1 billion within the first six months of its release, making it one of the most profitable mobile games ever developed. It has also reached over 40 million downloads worldwide across various platforms.

Liu Wei’s reflection on the challenges faced during the game’s early stages highlights the determination and resilience of the team behind Genshin Impact. Despite the initial misunderstandings, they persevered and created a game that has captivated millions of players around the world.

Genshin Impact’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. It shows that even when faced with accusations and comparisons, a unique and well-crafted game can overcome all obstacles and emerge as a true gem.”