Credit: Unsplash
The Chinese adventure game has already dethroned multiple mobile mainstays.
Chinese developer miHoYo’s massive adventure game Genshin Impact has only been out for about a month now, but with how ubiquitous it’s become, it almost feels like it’s always been there. My friends and I have had multiple lengthy discussions about the game (with several focused on my inability to roll anything besides books), and I was playing for a good hour before work this morning. A combination of Breath of the Wild-style traversal and some cool character designs has taken the world by storm, prompting numerous folks to open up their wallets for a chance at getting more, presenting miHoYo with an impressive profit.
According to app market analyst Sensor Tower, in its first month of operation, the mobile version of Genshin Impact has turned a profit of about $245 million USD. Let me stress that: $245 million in profits from the mobile app version of the game alone. I can’t even imagine what the numbers look like when you factor in the PS4 and PC versions, not to mention the future Switch port. This astounding profit has placed Genshin Impact firmly in the lead of the mobile game market, beating out numerous industry mainstays like Pokemon GO, PUBG Mobile, and even Fortnite.
“Chinese game developers have long looked to capture Western audiences, without losing their audience at home,” industry analyst Daniel Ahmad told Sensor Tower. “Genshin Impact is a great example of how Chinese developers are succeeding in the West by focusing on high production values, popular gameplay mechanics, and deep progression systems.”
Version 1.1 Hype Countdown
2 week till Genshin Impact first biggest update v1.1Happy 1 Month Anniversary!
Official Art by 咩煲 #Genshin_Impact #原神 pic.twitter.com/MCwxRctz4S— Zeniet (@Zeniiet) October 28, 2020
“The game feels and plays like a console game while ultimately being a free-to-play gacha title. Genshin Impact’s global success reflects the evolution of Chinese game development, from outsourced artwork 15 years ago to full game development for the domestic market more recently, and now to full game development that resonates with global markets as well as the home front.”
It’s anyone’s guess how long this lead will last, but with more content patches already in the works, it looks like miHoYo is shooting for a long lifespan.
