Summary
The newest web event forGenshin Impacthas seen developer HoYoverse accused of using AI-animated art as part of the rewards for participating in the event. The use of AI art has become a touchy subject within the gaming industry as the rising popularity of artificial intelligence has seen significant backlash, both from fans and artists. Several popular games likeDungeons and DragonsandPokemon GOhave been criticized for using AI art, often prompting changes from the developers in response to fan outcry. Now, HoYoverse is the newest developer to find itself in an AI controversy.
As one of the most popular free-to-play games in the world,Genshin Impact’s massive success has brought its fair share of controversy as well. HoYoverse’s lackluster rewards for the game’s anniversaries have been a particular pain point for players, often seeing criticism and backlash from unhappy fans expecting more from the celebration. The developer would also be involved in another high-profile scandal earlier this year, with some of the game’s voice cast allegedly not receiving proper payment for their roles withinGenshin Impact. Now, AI art is the subject ofGenshin Impact’s newest debacle.
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Genshin Impact’s newest web event, titled “Glad Tidings from Afar,” has seen significant controversy for its reported use of AI-generated art. The event, focused on highlighting the recently released soundtrack for Fontaine, tasks players with listening to the new songs and sending them toin-game characters like Tighnariand Yun Jin. Fans have noticed several issues with the animated emotes associated with the event’s rewards, including errors with Yun Jin’s outlines in her animation and Diona’s hairline moving in one emote. HoYoverse has yet to make a statement about the accusations.
Fans have been critical in general about the overall quality ofGenshin Impact’s newest web event, citing a drop in polish compared to past events. Some fans have reported minor issues with the web event, including improper borders causing part of the game’s logo to be cropped out. The event’sdistribution of its Primogem rewardsalso sports a different reward system from past events, using a code-based system instead ofGenshin Impact’s typical account-linked rewards. Rewards for the event are reportedly limited due to the new code-reliant system.
The newestGenshin Impactcontroversy comes amidst a busy few months for the massively popular RPG. August would see the release ofGenshin Impact’s fifth major region of Fontaine, adding a plethora of new places to explore alongside new combat and exploration mechanics. One of the region’s most highly-anticipated characters is also expected to release during the RPG’s next update withthe Hydro Archon Furina. HoYoverse’s reported use of AI art looks to be a particularly sour spot of an otherwise exciting time for fans ofGenshin Impact.
Genshin Impactis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and mobile devices. A Switch version is in development.
