Developer miHoYo is preparing to launch Genshin Impact, a free-to-play action-RPG with lovely anime-style visuals.
It also comes with the interesting proposition of being on consoles, PC, and mobile, which is quite rare for a game of this genre.
In order to know more about the project, we talked with a group of developers at miHoYo, who offered more insight on a wide variety of topics.
Giuseppe: More often than not, developers create a game either for consoles or for mobile. A game for both is pretty rare. Why did you decide to tackle such different platforms at the same time?
miHoYo: The concept behind Genshin Impact has always been to create a cross-platform, open-world gaming experience. One of miHoYo’s main goals is to create games that are “out of imagination,” and Genshin Impact was conceived from the start as a cross-platform title.
Freedom is a hallmark of open-world games, and for us this means more than just having a wide-open world to explore in the game, but also to minimize restrictions that players may face in terms of the device that they play on, allowing players using different devices to explore the land of Teyvat, whether by themselves or with players on different platforms.
This is why we decided to develop for PC, mobile, and console at the same time, and to make cross-platform co-op a key part of development. We are working hard to ensure that the game runs smoothly on all these platforms, and to optimize for each one, treating all of them and their players with equal importance.
Giuseppe: As a free-to-play game, could you explain more in detail how the business model behind Genshin Impact will work?
miHoYo: We have strived to make Genshin Impact a friendly and accessible F2P experience. Players will be able to choose whether and how they want to spend money.
Players will be able to unlock four main characters to use for exploring the world by simply progressing through the storyline. Players may also obtain materials, equipment, weapons, and other characters by completing challenges and quests.
Of course, the Wish system is also available for players who want to have access to more characters and equipment. The in-game shop allows players to buy Genesis Crystals, supply packs, as well as Primogems.
Primogems are used to purchase Wish items, such as Intertwined Fate and Acquaint Fate, which in turn can be used to obtain rare weapons and characters. Other items like Gnostic Hymn and Gnostic Chorus are used to upgrade the Sojourner’s Battle Pass and obtain in-game items.
Giuseppe: Genshin Impact is an ongoing experience that will receive new content over time. What are your plans in terms of the pace and scope of such updates?
miHoYo: Genshin Impact has been conceived as a live service game, with continuous updates and new content that will improve the player experience.
We will be making continuous improvements based on player feedback and suggestions. More characters and stories are in the pipeline, as well as richer social interactions, more variety in the gameplay experience, and more optimized domain farming.
As new features are implemented, any materials required will be added to the game world, with the goal of having the open-world experience permeate every part of the game.
Domains will become increasingly dynamic, increasing player engagement and the importance of team planning. Ways to customize your appearance are also being discussed. Genshin Impact will launch with two of the seven major cities of Teyvat — Mondstadt and Liyue.
The third city is currently under development. As this game is a long-term operation, more content and other main cities will be released after the game is officially launched. Stay tuned!
