Genshin Impact is set to introduce a new region called Natlan in its upcoming 5.0 update in August. However, some of the game’s voice actors have raised concerns about a new character in the game that shares the name of an African deity. Valeria Rodríguez, who voices Sucrose in the game, took to social media to express her disappointment, stating that if real-world deities are being used, they should be respected. She emphasized the importance of cultural appreciation and research when drawing inspiration from various cultures.
The character in question is named after Ọlọrun, the supreme deity of the Yoruba people of West Africa. Voice actors and players alike have criticized the character’s design, stating that it does not accurately represent or celebrate the deity it is based on. Some have even likened the character to “pale Sasuke”, highlighting the lack of proper representation.
miHoYo, the creators of Genshin Impact, rebranded themselves to HoYoVerse in 2022 to cater to a more global audience. However, the recent backlash from players and voice actors raises questions about the company’s commitment to diversity and representation. Zeno Robinson, the voice actor for Sethos in the game, pointed out that even Chinese fans have been calling for better representation, questioning who these characters are being created for.
This is not the first time Genshin Impact has faced criticism for its lack of representation. In the past, players have called for boycotts over insensitive portrayals of various cultures. With the new region set to release soon, there is hope among fans that the developers will listen to feedback and make necessary changes before the update goes live.
Voice actor Anne Yatco, known for voicing Raiden Shogun in the game, expressed her desire for the company to take valid criticism seriously and make improvements to their research and inclusion of diverse cultural elements. As the release date approaches, all eyes are on miHoYo to see how they will address these concerns and ensure that their game resonates with a global audience.
Elie, a news writer with a passion for horror games, shared insights into the ongoing debate surrounding Genshin Impact and its representation of diverse cultures. With a background in journalism and a love for gaming, Elie’s perspective adds depth to the discussion on the importance of respectful design criticism in the gaming industry. As players eagerly await the new update, the pressure is on for developers to deliver a more inclusive and culturally sensitive gaming experience.