I remember when Genshin Impact first launched in 2020, the accusations hit like a storm. Our CEO Liu Wei (fondly called Dawei by fans) recently shared at Genshin Impact FES 2023 how those early plagiarism claims nearly broke us. Critics called us a cheap Breath of the Wild clone, and seeing protesters smash consoles felt like knives twisting. Dawei revealed our team started development in 2017 without even having our own game engine! There were nights when developers cried at their desks, crushed by the relentless criticism. But that pain forged our resolve.

We turned Liyue into our battle cry – 'make the part of Genshin Impact no one sees' became our mantra. Every rock texture, every gust of wind in that region carried our defiance. And you know what? That agony birthed magic. By 2022, we'd won The Game Awards' Player's Voice trophy 🏆, silencing doubters with 60 million active travelers exploring Teyvat. Our gacha banners? They regularly smash $10M+ in China alone per character release! When Fontaine launched in late 2023 with underwater combat and diving mechanics, it felt like poetic justice – our fifth major region proving how far we'd evolved beyond those accusations.

People Also Ask

• What were the specific plagiarism accusations?

Critics claimed we copied Zelda's art style, climbing mechanics, and open-world structure. Our gliding and cooking systems faced particular scrutiny.

• How did Genshin Impact overcome this?

We focused on unique lore depth, elemental combat systems, and constant updates. Fontaine's 2023 release (with underwater exploration!) showcased our innovation.

• What's Genshin's status in 2025?

Still dominating! With Honkai: Star Rail's 2023 success and Natlan region coming, HoYoverse is a powerhouse. Player counts remain in the tens of millions 💪.

Looking back now in 2025, those tear-stained early days feel like ancient history. But Dawei's confession reminds us: greatness often begins in darkness. That crucible of criticism forged not just a game, but a legacy. Every time I glide through Sumeru's rainforests or battle in Fontaine's depths, I see the beauty born from struggle. The accusations didn't break us – they made us unstoppable. 😊