If you’ve been online since HoYoVerse released its “Ignition” trailer, you may have witnessed the heated debate surrounding the company’s alleged issues with colourism and racism. Fans of HoYoVerse have eagerly anticipated the potential for Natlan’s rise, including myself, after witnessing the excitement surrounding Sumeru’s unveiling. Can we reasonably expect to find at least two individuals with melanated skin in a location heavily influenced by Mesoamerican and West African cultures? Come on. Despite expectations, HoYoVerse succeeded in delivering exactly what the company has consistently achieved at such a high level.
Before we begin, I’d like to clarify one thing.
The phrases “orientalism” and “cultural” appropriation are two of the criticisms leveled by some against HoYoVerse. The subtle nuances of this conversation are being compromised by unnecessary tangents. We’ve been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes by incorporating cultural appropriation into our character development. While exploring similarities with Orientalism and cultural appropriation is crucial, conflating them too closely risks alienating a significant portion of your audience? I’m not interested in learning anything from a publication that criticizes HoYoVerse when such phrases come up?
Cultural appropriation refers to the unrecognised and inconsiderate adoption of cultural practices, traditions, and intellectual property from one group to another without proper acknowledgement or compensation, often perpetuating systemic inequality and disrespect towards the original culture. The exploitation of cultural symbols or practices of one individual or society by those from another, often perpetuated by more powerful groups or societies. For instance, the adoption by non-Native Americans of Native American headgear adorned with eagle feathers and beads solely for fashionable purposes can be considered a form of cultural appropriation. Hoyverse has consistently been transparent about its influences throughout its history. Does accuracy adhere to their demands or does it painstakingly paint an exact picture? The purpose of a company’s social media presence is multifaceted. It provides an opportunity to engage with customers, promote products or services, and build brand awareness. Rather than adopting culture-specific items and aesthetics without meaningful connection or understanding, this entity would be better described than accused of cultural appropriation.
Orientalism, in its most literal sense, denotes a Western depiction of the East as an enigmatic, mystical realm fundamentally distinct from the West. In this context, “West” is the paramount consideration, alongside the manner in which Orientalism often manifests itself through media. While Sumeru’s presentation may draw parallels with that of Liyue and Inazuma, its distinctiveness lies in the nuances of its cultural heritage and mystical underpinnings. They eschew simplistic approaches, unlike those who would reduce Japan’s complexities to a clichéd ” factor” formula, and instead of casting Sumeru in an impenetrable mystique, they opt for nuance. Accuse people of creating stereotypical characters like Dory? It would seem peculiar for an Orientalist company to name itself after the very region that was once a subject of their discipline, given its history as a target of Western cultural and political domination.
Individuals are drawn to these phrases for a multitude of reasons, often driven by a desire to express themselves effectively. Hoyoverse demonstrates a commitment to authenticity by thoroughly researching cultural references and backstories for characters such as Nilou, showcasing its dedication to depth and nuance. While an artist’s personal style and flair are refreshing in animations and clothing designs for fantasy games grounded in reality, it’s puzzling to see the same level of attention to detail not extended to character design beyond attire. Some people assert that they are acquainted with extremely fair-skinned Persians. Here is the rewritten text:
It’s surprising that not a single one of the 13 native Sumeru characters can harness a medium-toned foundation.
When examining HoYoVerse’s criticisms regarding the lack of racial diversity among its characters, one cannot ignore. Indeed, this striking goal serves as a testament to the profound real-world inspirations and widespread acclaim that Teybat has garnered. Although this plot twist may have been foreshadowed in earlier installments of the series, its execution still packs a significant emotional punch. Carole Pepper’s skin was often remarkably pale. In the lore, her mixed heritage is marked by a dark-skinned mother; she is exceptionally cautious in her self-perception. Notwithstanding her in-game declaration, she confesses to being perpetually self-conscious about her complexion, citing concerns over pores and skin tone and pigmentation, describing herself as “as dark as it gets.” This admission seems incongruous given the fact that she presents an appearance akin to a white woman with subtle bronzer accents on her face.
Although well-intentioned, even the most casual observer may notice that the characters appear to be lacking in melanin, thereby creating an unrealistic representation. It’s not as though HoYoVerse is incapable of designing dark-skinned characters either. The rivalries that exist within the sport, manifesting as adversaries or non-player characters. Characters with darker skin tones among the playable roster—Candace, Cyno, Dehya, and Xinyan—are marred by subpar visual representations. While Kaeya may appear to be the most accommodating option for new players, his true value lies in serving as a primary crutch for those transitioning from free-to-play (F2P) games. While Cyno and Dehya experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the support of strong assist characters like Furina, they still struggled to achieve mainstream success outside of their specific niche. By situating it in this milder context, it may also aid individuals to better understand the colorism allegations people level at one another.
The phenomenon of this subject persisting in newer HoYoVerse titles remains a notable trend. Arlan is the only playable character in the game who has a distinct feature of having darker pores and skin tone, deviating from the predominantly Caucasian appearance found in most games. This individual performs woefully as a cohesive entity. His skills, such as Shackle Breaker, Frenzied Punishment, and Swift Harvest, are uniquely named to reflect their distinctive characteristics. One significant consideration is whether these concepts have been an inherent aspect of his narrative fabric. It’s likely that Arlen, rather than Arlan, was previously incarcerated or had a criminal record until Asta took him under her wing and provided him with employment opportunities. Maybe that the case. However, considering his past, it’s surprising we didn’t catch on earlier due to the lack of hints or allusions in his backstory and previous appearances, which never hinted at such a significant aspect.
Nekomata’s distinctive feature is the presence of darker pores and skin, which sets him apart as a high-quality individual. Sports enthusiasts rarely give it a second thought. Few people in reality seem to devote much attention to this fact. While ‘s launch was initially overshadowed by controversy surrounding the Nattlan characters, my earlier forecast proved accurate: this game lacks the universal appeal enjoyed by its counterparts.
I deliberately use the phrase “darker” skin rather than “dark” skin to convey a nuanced distinction between the characters’ complexions. When scrutinizing the depiction of dark-skinned characters in HoYoVerse video games, it becomes apparent that they share a striking similarity with their counterparts in other properties such as anime, manga, and literature – namely, a significantly deeper skin tone. With virtually imperceptible skin tones akin to those found on non-playable characters (NPCs) or adversaries in the HoYoVerse universe, their physical appearances are strikingly uniform.
I don’t assume that HoYoVerse is responsible for one of the many problems being a lack of analysis. They know. It’s patronising to reduce their lack of understanding to a simple phrase like ‘they didn’t know’. It’s misguided to assume that people in East Asia are unaware of cultural nuances or geographical facts. Certain critics note a conspicuous absence of melanin on characters who would normally possess it, sparking controversy. Many East Asian gamers remain unmoved by the notion that Westerners are overly sensitive to “politically correct” issues, much like Western gamers’ perception of a similar phenomenon in their own communities. It’s impossible to excuse their behavior because they fundamentally fail to understand others’ emotions. Since those who are already successful tend to be immune to the effects that drive others to work hard,
While it’s true that comparisons are imperfect, it’s also important to acknowledge that certain representations can still be harmful, even if not entirely equivalent. I’ve noticed Japanese customers mention familiarity with such character design options owing to their cultural background. Whenever game developers decide to subvert expectations by flipping Ganesha into a pale half-Japanese woman (Jinako), there’s typically an in-game rationale behind such a move. Regardless of personal opinion on the artistic choice in question, a compelling case can be made for its inclusion within the narrative.
The fact that customers are already seeking pale complexions and skin tones, only to have a setting inspired by Mesoamerica, Latin America, and West Africa, yet feature characters resembling typical white Europeans, understandably sparks outrage in some individuals, who react with frustration? The legend of Yasuke, Japan’s first African samurai, stirs up controversy again. Look at how frustratingly prevalent it is for fans to obsess over character designs and insist on their accuracy mirroring real-world aesthetics. When the subject matter involves the very existence of darker-skinned people, known as “black individuals” during this era, regardless that those with dark skin aren’t the only ones who possess this trait – in your game where you strive to “escape” from them, it may be essential to take a moment for introspection.
To regain my true form, HoYoVerse’s assessment is indeed thorough and accurate. While limited to Liyue, the series has successfully guided viewers through the development process of crafting a character thus far.
Yun Jin showcased a video on Chinese language opera, illustrating how her design team had to incorporate traditional costumes and movements into her in-game appearance and equipment. While visiting Nilou for a second time, as I lack firsthand experience with Persian dance, I’ve noticed numerous reviewers offering thoughtful insights into her performance animations. Sumeru’s comprehensive world and lore demonstrate HoYoVerse’s commitment to meticulous craftsmanship. It’s unclear how a product fails to ship when it’s designed to make people happy. Can we clarify what you mean by “personality design”? Are there specific features or aspects of the design that are causing issues?
While some might contend that this is just the way things naturally unfold, Despite its best efforts, HoYoVerse has consistently struggled with this issue throughout its history. However, as they aim to expand globally and tap into the international market, they can’t solely rely on catering to East Asian players? Many gamers are fond of featuring diversity, particularly with regards to darker-skinned characters, without suffering a notable decline in popularity or revenue, as observed in various video games that have prominently showcased them. The company reported significant revenue growth, including contributions from Asian markets. The issue isn’t fundamentally about the market; it’s HoYoVerse itself. If you’re genuinely offended by the colourism or disinterested in the various HoYoVerse titles, then there’s no desire to continue playing them.
In truth, I don’t assume that the expectations of real-life greatness necessarily translate to fictional characters. Can we talk about Amuro’s endearing camaraderie with the enthusiastic East Asian fans? The manga artist Tooru Furuya’s career was revitalized by a single individual long before Furuya had a chance to sabotage his own work, ultimately reducing everything to ashes. While some fans have criticized the updated character designs in the anime adaptation, it is worth noting that the creators deliberately maintained the original skin tones of certain characters, such as Amuro and Heiji, who remained consistently dark-skinned throughout both the manga and present-day series. Characters such as Kaeya and Cyno have been particularly well-received. Throughout my extensive experience in fan communities, I’ve never encountered an individual who demonstrated disdain or reluctance to engage with a character solely because of their melanated complexion. Gender, although, sure.
Let’s revisit that Carole King instance one more time. Carole’s complexion has a subtle undertone of darkness. She appears to have a sun-kissed glow. Would the impact of the identical narrative change if Carole truly had darker skin? Yikes! Um, I don’t assume so. However, it will undoubtedly become more understandable and lifelike with some tweaks. I recall working alongside a Filipino woman who had a complexion reminiscent of a deep, rich brown – a shade uncommonly found in many East Asian cultures. Despite this natural beauty, she used various skin-whitening products, convinced that her appearance was flawed and in need of correction. I’m not inclined to pause and introspectively dissect my underperforming colleague on the spot. However, Carole’s angst over her pores and skin wouldn’t be quite so ludicrous if she actually possessed more melanin.
The reasoning behind my stance is rooted in the fact that Genshin Impact, being one of the oldest video games developed by HoYoVerse, suggests that this colorism issue has been present for quite some time. It’s nearly impossible to isolate the source of a problem within a complex organization due to its numerous levels and intricacies. The company’s unconventional approach may stem from an artistic design consideration? Although the leaks have been frustrating and impacted the overall dialogue round designs, the unused concept art has inadvertently revealed that most characters possess pale skin tones. It’s likely someone from the advertising and marketing department. It’s disheartening to hear that certain companies may be limiting their character designs based on racial parameters, effectively excluding individuals of color from representation in their stories? Regardless of their identity, it is evident that they have been around for quite some time, given their prominent role as a core member of the corporation.
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If you’ve spent any time on Twitter over the past few days, you may have noticed a trending hashtag calling for a boycott of HoYoVerse following the release of its Ignition trailer. Tweets from individuals urge customers to take actions such as signaling support for a petition, leaving participant feedback, and humorously sharing their local representative’s contact information. What’s the point of relying on surveys that yield little insight, petitions that falter, and consultants who can’t even begin to address this issue? The concept of assessment bombing in education doesn’t yield significant learning outcomes for students. Boycotts are a singularly effective means of protest, yet often underestimated.
Many individuals share this sentiment, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the prospect of tackling such tasks. While HoYoVerse is cautious about significant financial losses, it’s unclear how many online critics are actually investing in the game. Do they genuinely expect to compensate for the considerable expense of executing that elaborate attack sequence? During a pivotal moment in history, this entity’s profound impact has been acknowledged globally, as it successfully transcended demographics and reached an unprecedented number of casual consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike high-pressure subscription services, there’s no inherent reason for these individuals to part with their money on this platform. Wouldn’t HoYoVerse’s concern about a dwindling player base be justified, particularly if significant investment is at stake?
On numerous occasions, people have called for a boycott. Certain individuals felt compelled to boycott following the Penacoy incident. Without a single major or playable black character, this era’s Jazz Age influence on Penacony is starkly incongruous with the African-Americans who pioneered that very epoch. Despite its intended significance, Aventurine’s depiction sparked controversy, primarily due to the Avgin series’ perceived appropriation of Romani culture and people – a concern that arose from the character’s resemblance to real-life Romani individuals (a distinction often lost on fans, who frequently conflate Romanian with Romani heritage). However, it’s crucial to note that Aventurine is a pale, blonde boy. Despite its massive size and inherent immaturity, the HoYoVerse fandom struggles to self-regulate, failing to distinguish between productive engagement and toxic behavior. If a collective of skilled voice actors or content creators comes together to achieve something, however, they might. Veteran voice actors Zeno Robinson, Khoi Dao, Jenny Yokobori, and Valeria Rodriguez have publicly expressed their thoughts on the matter through social media posts.
I haven’t exercised recently. Despite my current level of achievement, I aspire to excel further. The disparity in Genshin Impact’s world-building is striking, with meticulous attention paid to Inazuma and Liyue, only to be followed by lackluster development of Sumeru and Natlan. When gamers demand change through boycotting, they must be prepared to invest in the effort. Individuals are seeking more effective ways to amplify their messages and mobilize meaningful change, rather than relying on superficial tactics such as social media petitions and clickbait content.
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