Genshin Controversy Triggers Dev Morale Slump

HoYoverse President Liu Wei Addresses Genshin Impact Backlash

HoYoverse's president, Liu Wei, recently shared the impact of negative player feedback on the Genshin Impact development team. His comments shed light on a challenging year marked by growing player dissatisfaction, particularly following the Lunar New Year 2024 updates.

Wei described the team's experience as one of "anxiety and confusion," revealing that the intense criticism left them feeling "useless." This sentiment stemmed from a series of controversies, including the perceived inadequacy of the 4.4 Lantern Rite event rewards and unfavorable gacha mechanics in the 4.5 Chronicled Banner. Further fueling the negative response were concerns about the representation of cultures in certain characters and comparisons to other HoYoverse titles like Honkai: Star Rail and Wuthering Waves.

While acknowledging the team's initial struggles to process the overwhelming criticism, Wei emphasized their commitment to improvement and listening to player feedback. He addressed accusations of arrogance, stating that the developers are gamers themselves and understand player sentiments. He expressed hope for the future, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and creating the best possible experience for players.

Despite the challenges, the team remains dedicated to enhancing the game and fostering a stronger connection with the player community. The upcoming release of the Natlan region on August 28th offers a glimpse of the team's ongoing efforts.