Genshin Impact faces criticism on Natlan’s lack of representation

As a long-time fan of Genshin Impact and someone who identifies as part of the global black community, I have been disheartened by the lack of representation in this game that I hold dear. The recent revelation of the Natlan characters has only intensified my disappointment, especially given the game’s inspiration from Africa and Indigenous America.

As a long-time fan of Genshin Impact, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Version 4.8, which marks the conclusion of the Fontaine region. With each new update, I’m always excited to explore new areas and meet new characters. However, this time around, the excitement has been tinged with curiosity, as the next region, Natlan, has been shrouded in mystery.

In the aftermath of Natlan’s revealing sneak peek, Genshin Impact has been under fire for allegations of cultural appropriation and whitewashing. The game’s vast and growing world of Teyvat is richly influenced by various real-life cultures, taking inspiration from geography, architecture, mythology, music, cuisine, and history. Natlan specifically draws from the Aztec, Mayan, North African, Indigenous, and Latin cultures. However, there are clear instances of whitewashing and cultural appropriation in the depicted characters within the teaser.

The community is expressing concerns that the game does not adequately portray the cultures behind each character, specifically Mavukia, Kinich, and Ororon who are depicted as white despite being inspired by Maori deities Mahuika. This issue has been a topic of discussion among players, echoing previous debates over insufficient representation in Genshin Impact’s Natlan region.

Genshin Impact’s English Voice Actors have raised their Voices as Well

A few of the game’s voice actors are speaking out now. Khoi Dao, the actor behind the character Albedo, took to X-platforms like Twitter to advocate for change and underscore the significance of more inclusive representation for a diverse fanbase.

Zeno Robinson, the voice actor for Sethos, expressed criticism towards HoYoverse. He emphasized the global demand for more diverse characters by stating, “Even your core Chinese fans are requesting improved representation or characters with various skin tones. Who exactly are you designing these characters for?”

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed Valeria Rodríguez, the voice actor for Sucrose in our favorite game, joining the conversation about inconsistencies in how deities and characters are depicted.

I’ve noticed some differences in how deities and characters are depicted between Titan Forge Games’ MOBA, Smite, and Genshin Impact. And let me tell you, Smite really outdid themselves with their interpretation of Olorun! It may not seem challenging to some, but the way they brought the god to life is simply impressive.

Fan communities has creates Petition for a better representation 

As a passionate gamer of Genshin Impact, I’ve noticed the growing frustration in the community regarding the representation of diverse characters. This issue reached new heights with the release of the first three Natlan characters, leading to the creation of a petition. With over 65,000 signatures and counting, this movement has gained significant traction as more characters have been unveiled.

The game’s cast of mostly white characters, despite being inspired by African and Indigenous American cultures, has led to allegations of whitewashing and cultural insensitivity. Critics argue that out of the nearly 90 playable characters, fewer than six have darker complexions, with some being labeled as whitewashed representations.

You can join in the petition by going here if you want to contribute to the cause. 

Pyro Archon’s skin color could be related to Murata Himeko from HI3

In Genshin Impact, the characters hailing from the Natlan region generally have light-skinned appearances, leading to debates concerning cultural diversity within the game. Although some believe the Pyro Archon’s design takes cues from Murata Himeko of Honkai Impact 3rd, this reference may not fully capture the essence of authentic representation in Natlan.

There is still question if the characters’ designs accurately represent the anticipated diversity and cultural complexity of the Natlan region. This matter might influence players’ perceptions and engagement with a game known for its intricate backstory and deep cultural layers.

Callback to Sumeru and Colorism

The concern over under-representation is nothing new, as complaints about this issue can be traced back to the debut of Sumeru in 2022. This controversy, which had momentarily subsided following the launch of Fontaine, has once again come to the forefront with the unveiling of Natlan.

The representation of antagonistic darker-skinned characters in the community is a significant source of dissatisfaction, fueling worries about the persistent issue of colorism within HoYoverse. Although Genshin Impact enjoys massive popularity in Asian markets, the game’s global audience magnifies the scarcity of diverse characters.

The transformation of Ọlọrun into Ororon, which some view as cultural appropriation, isn’t the only concern. Among the nine new Natlan characters presented, just one, Iansan, has a darker complexion. However, many players believe that Iansan’s skin tone doesn’t make enough of a difference, given she’s the sole representation of people of color in this game. Over nearly four years, Genshin Impact has faced criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly in terms of black and darker-skinned characters.

Final Thoughts

As support for the petition swells and boycott calls against HoYoverse increase, the company could encounter considerable hurdles upon Natlan’s anticipated arrival in late August. This timeline provides them with some leeway to address concerns and engage with their international fanbase seeking improved representation.

HoYoverse has proven their ability to design diverse characters, as evidenced by certain Eremites and Natlan foes. Nevertheless, the paucity of such characters and their frequent depiction as adversaries spark worries about the company’s perspective on people of color. Given Genshin Impact’s expansive global audience, there is no justification for not introducing characters with various skin tones.

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2024-07-17 20:11