A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse

Revenue for HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact increased over 8% in August compared to July in spite of the active boycott against the game and developer.

A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse

A boycott of Genshin Impact and HoYoverse was launched back in July with a petition titled “Stop Cultural Appropriation and Whitewashing in MiHoYo Games.”

The petition 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 (2024), HoYoverse

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.”

It has over 109,000 signatures.

Concept art from Genshin Impact (2024), HoYoverse

On top of the petition an X account called HYV Boycott declared, “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

The boycott appeared to completely fail in the month of July as HoYovese revenue increased 10% across its three major titles: Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and the newly released Zenless Zone Zero. Across the three games the company grossed $177.4 million.

In comparison HoYoverse grossed $163 million in June from just Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. That’s an 8.8% increase in revenue from month to month.

A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2021), MiHoYo

Following the seeming failure of the boycott, the boycotters promised they would escalate their tactics.

The HYVBoycott account 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

It does not seem to have made an impact at all. Gacha Revenue reports that Genshin Impact grossed a total of $40.3 million for the month of August up 8.04% compared to July where the game grossed $37.3 million.

While Genshin Impact’s revenues increased HoYoverse did see their monthly revenue between all three games decline down to $111.1 million for the month. However, it’s very likely that September will see a big increase as Genshin Impact has released its new Natlan update.

Nevertheless, revenue still appears to have increased year-over-year as Gacha Revenue reported that Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail grossed a combined total of $81 million in August 2023. That means the company’s revenue increased over 37% year-over-year.

A screenshot from Genshin Impact (2021), MiHoYo

What do you make of Genshin Impact’s revenue increasing over 8% in spite of the boycotters?