Genshin Impact has recently brought a new patch online, featuring a new Sumeru region and some new playable characters. However, when the patch was released, these Sumeru characters received criticisms from international players, regarding the character’s skin tone.
Sumeru
According to the character’s outfit and regional environment displayed in the new region, it was widely accepted that the concept and design were inspired and based on South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) cultures. This means people habituating in both Sumeru and SWANA should naturally have darker skin tones.
Fans are hoping the developers to “show brown people the justice they deserved”, and made some edits on new characters’ complexions, receiving thousands of likes on Twitter.
edited them because brown people deserve justice. even tho the designs are orientalist, at least give them a proper skin tone hoyoverse.
— bun / navi ♡ stranger things spoilers! (@CL0UDLUVRBOT) June 29, 2022
like and rt’s are appreciated 🙏🏾#GenshinImpact #Sumeru #Dori #Collei #Tighnari pic.twitter.com/uzreaabpd4
Someone also made comparison showing Genshin not having many skin color diversity in its characters.
cause what if i start screaming pic.twitter.com/AjhMlgufBZ
— 🫧☁️ ⁷ (@kaeyavrse) June 29, 2022
Before jumping to any racial conclusions, Genshin Devs should have their rightful benefit of the doubt. Some argue that Chinese players relatively care much less about light skin tones - it could be due to a cultural difference.
The comment section on Twitter
However, this is an important lesson for all Chinese developers to learn. As more Chinese games are competing on the global market, showing respect and acknowledgment of sensitive cultural and political issues would becoming increasingly important.