Genshin Impact is an open-world adventure game developed and published by Shanghai Mihoyo Technology Co., Ltd. The game first launched in early January 2017, with its internal beta testing beginning on June 21, 2019, and continued on March 19, 2020, and June 11, 2020. The game’s PC technical test began on September 15, 2020, and it was officially launched on September 28, 2020. The official servers shared account data across platforms like iOS, PC, and Android, allowing players to switch between different devices using the same account.
Setting and Story:
The game takes place in the fantasy continent of Teyvat, a world where seven elements converge. Those chosen by the gods are granted “God’s Eye” to manipulate the elements. The story follows a mysterious character known as The Traveler, who is on a journey to reunite with their lost sibling. Along the way, they meet a variety of companions, each with unique abilities, and work together to defeat powerful enemies and uncover the secrets of the world. The ultimate goal is to find the seven gods who control the elements and bring peace to a land ravaged by an ancient disaster.
The history of Teyvat is shaped by the rise and fall of civilizations. Five hundred years ago, the fall of an ancient kingdom triggered significant changes, and while the disasters have ceased, peace remains elusive. As the protagonist, The Traveler explores the land, seeking answers and reconnecting with lost family, while also working to restore balance to the world.
Character System:
The game features multiple playable characters. Players begin with a customizable protagonist, The Traveler, who can be male or female. As the game progresses, players unlock other characters through plot progression, divination, and various in-game events. For example, Amber is one of the first characters players can unlock, alongside the protagonist.
Most characters are acquired through “Divination,” which includes permanent and event-based pulls. Players use “Encounter Bonds” or “Entanglement Bonds” to obtain these characters.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Genshin Impact is an open-world game where players control characters who use two types of equipment: weapons and relics. Weapons vary based on the character’s combat style, while relics are items that enhance a character’s attributes when worn as part of a set.
Consumables in the game fall into three categories:
Currency, which can be obtained through treasure chests, dungeon challenges, quests, and more.
Materials, primarily gained from treasure chests and mining.
Recipes, which require specific materials to craft useful items.
Commercial Success:
Genshin Impact achieved remarkable success shortly after its release. On October 29, 2020, Sensor Tower reported that Genshin Impact earned approximately $245 million USD (around ¥1.6 billion) in its first 30 days, leading the global mobile game market during that period. This figure did not account for revenue from third-party Android markets in China and other regions.
By November 13, 2020, Sensor Tower’s report indicated that Genshin Impact earned $239 million USD in October alone from the App Store and Google Play, making it the top-grossing mobile game worldwide. The Chinese market accounted for 31% of this revenue.
In March 2021, Sensor Tower reported that Genshin Impact had earned nearly $116 million USD in mobile game revenue, continuing to dominate the market.
International Success:
In Japan, Genshin Impact experienced significant success, surpassing revenue in China in November and December 2020. In December, Japan accounted for 30.3% of the game’s global revenue.
By January 2022, Genshin Impact ranked as the top-earning mobile game overseas, maintaining its position as a dominant force in the mobile gaming industry.
Conclusion:
Genshin Impact’s success story is a testament to its engaging open-world mechanics, immersive storytelling, and captivating visuals. From its launch to its ongoing dominance in the global mobile game market, the game continues to attract millions of players worldwide. As of August 2022, the game’s impact on the industry remains undeniable, and its journey is far from over.