As Genshin Impact fans criticize ‘whitewashing,’ a voice actor joins the chorus

The Genshin Impact community has been vocal about the whitewashing of characters in recent weeks. Now one of the English-speaking voice actors is criticizing the game for “colorism.”

Fan criticism erupted on social media platforms like X and TikTok on July 13 when the company released a teaser trailer for Natlan, a new region inspired by pre-Columbian Latin America and West Africa, and the characters all had light or white skin. Some of the cast by English speaking voice actors now have fans who joined saying that Hoyoverse should be held accountable for its representation in the game. A voice actor, who requested anonymity due to concerns of reprisals from Hoyoverse, spoke exclusively to Polygon about why they are speaking out now.

“When an issue touches on a person’s cultural background and is so blatantly misrepresented, like the appropriation of ethnic gods, it’s easier to notice,” the actor told Polygon via DM.

Since Hoyoverse came out Genshin Impact In 2020, the developers added several regions to the game inspired by different cultures. Critics have argued that the way the development team created these regions relies heavily on stereotypes, particularly with regions like the samurai-populated land of Inazuma and the hazy bazaars of Sumeru.

Criticism of Genshin Impact‘s portrayal of peoples and cultures has been around for a long timeBut tensions in the community rose after Sumeru’s 2022 release, with fans arguing that it essentialised the cultures of Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA).

“I wish I had been more aware of these issues during the release of Sumeru for example,” the voice actor wrote. “Positive and faithful SWANA representation, especially in video games as cool and well-known as this one, is sorely lacking. Many of my SWANA friends complain about the small pool of roles that are tailored to their background, and how often those roles are offensively stereotypical.

“Previous representation issues like this were brought to my attention shortly after I first voiced my opinion (about Natlan), and I am grateful for the fanbase’s knowledge and accountability, even as I am disappointed in the company’s continued patterns.”

Image: Hoyoverse via Polygon

Voice actors occupy a special middle ground between Hoyoverse and the fans who play the game. While voice actors aren’t hired internally by Hoyoverse and work as contractors, they take on a prominent role in the fandom, often interacting with fans at conventions, via Twitch streams, and on other social media platforms. The actor who spoke to Polygon said they feel it’s important to speak out.

“When you speak out as someone with a platform, you let other people know that their voices can be heard too; that we stand with them and will say things out loud when they feel like they can’t. A platform is useless if you don’t stand on it and use it for good. People expect POC to always submit. They expect us to be submissive and subservient.”

According to the actor, it can be seen as “scandalous” when people of color are “loud” and some might expect marginalized people to “become quiet.” Representation is important, they said, especially in hugely popular video games like Genshin Impact.

“These issues affect every country in the world. Colorism is more widespread than we know. If our voices as voice actors can’t make a difference, at least we’ve been heard,” they said.

Voice actors who were unaware of the issues with certain characters have done no wrong, the actor said, adding that fans should not speak out against these actors specifically. Though they said they hope these actors stand in solidarity with those who call out issues of colorism in games.

“It’s 2024 and I expect that in the future we will see a little bit more solidarity from everyone in the entertainment industry. (…) Integrity is very important. Together we are all stronger,” they said.

A representative for Hoyoverse responded to Polygon’s request for comment, saying the company had nothing to announce at this time.