The ongoing boycott against HoYoverse, the developer behind Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, has failed spectacularly as Zenless Zone Zero raked nearly $100 million in July alone, right after launch.
The boycott organizers, through a Change.org petition, accuse HoYoverse of cultural appropriation and whitewashing. The petition, which currently has over 104,000 signatures, accused their games of “cultural appropriation and whitewashing”, while also demanding the developer commit to “accurate representation of all cultures.”
The petition also focused on the miHoYo games that have “repeatedly taken inspiration from indigenous cultures without proper representation and respect.”
In particular, the many characters from Sumeru and Natlan in Genshin Impact, and from Penacony in Honkai: Star Rail are all clearly white or only lightly tanned at best, with the exception of some enemy NPCs, the latter of which has sparked concerns of “racism among players and indigenous communities.”
The petition further declares, “Cultural appropriation and whitewashing perpetuate harmful stereotypes and diminish the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. These practices not only misrepresent cultures but also contribute to ongoing marginalization and disrespect.”
It then lists demands: “MiHoYo to: Engage with indigenous cultural consultants. Revise existing content to ensure accurate representation. Commit to creating diverse and inclusive characters.”
In addition to this petition, an X account called HYV Boycott also declares, “I think it’s safe to say that we have all had enough of the erasure of our cultures and identities. Today I introduce you all to Boycott Hoyoverse. We will be an account sharing how you can boycott. Spread the word! Anything helps.”
The account adds, “There has been a distinct lack of darker skin tones represented in the game; characters from these cultures are actively being heavily referenced but are being whitewashed. This is especially noticeable and ever-present in not only Sumeru and Natlan, but also in other nations.”
“These practices not only misrepresent said cultures, but also contribute to the ongoing marginalization and disrespect, that is perpetuating colorism further in the media; causing even more harm than good to communities and groups of individuals who are a part of them,” the account stated.
Several voice actors have also voiced their support for the boycott. Anne Yatco, who voices Raiden Shogun in Genshin Impact posted, “I really hope that a video game company listens to its fanbase when valid criticism is made multiple years in a row about the execution of its research and inclusion of elements/aspects of other cultures.”
Albedo voice actor Khoi Dao also shared on X, “If a game draws so heavily from real-world cultures and bases a character on the supreme deity of Yoruba religion, and that character ends up looking like pale sasuke batman, people are absolutely within their rights to demand better representation, ESPECIALLY when said game has a clearly-stated commitment to a *global* audience.”
He added, “I hope y’all keeping make your voices heard, and I hope they listen.”
The boycott and these actors’ complaints seem to have had little to no impact on HoYoverse’s revenue. According to Gacha Revenue, Zenless Zone Zero generated $68.8 million from Chinese players and another $31 million from its global player base in July, totaling $99.8 million.
Honkai: Star Rail earned $21 million from its global player base and another $19.3 million from China, making a total of $40.3 million. This is a decrease from June, when the game earned $35 million globally and $60.5 million in China, totaling $95.5 million.
As for Genshin Impact, it grossed $19.3 million in China and another $18 million globally, totaling $37.3 million. This is also a decrease from June, when it grossed $38.5 million in China and $29 million globally, totaling $67.5 million.
While Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact saw a drop, Zenless Zone Zero offset this decline. Combined, Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact saw their revenues fall by $85.4 million. However, as mentioned earlier, Zenless Zone Zero pulled in nearly a hundred million dollars in its first month.
Overall, with Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse grossed $163 million in June. In July, between Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse grossed $177.4 million. That’s an 8.8% increase in revenue from month to month.
This is also an increase from May when Honkai: Star Rail grossed $55 million in China and another $36 million globally for a total of $91 million. Genshin Impact grossed $30.3 million in China and another $23 million globally for a total of $53.3 million. Combined the two games grossed $144 million in May. July’s grosses are 23% higher than May’s.
What do you make of HoYoverse’s monthly revenues continuing to increase by significant percentages, despite some players claiming to boycott? Sound off in the comments below (and become a member!).
Zenless Zone Zero is available now on PlayStation 5, iOS (via the App Store), Android (via Google Play), and PC (via direct download and the Epic Games Store).
