Why is Taiwan Censored in Genshin Impact?
The simple answer is: Genshin Impact censors the word “Taiwan” (and other terms like “Hong Kong” and “Tibet”) due to the game’s developer, miHoYo, being based in Mainland China. This puts the company and its game under the jurisdiction of strict Chinese regulations regarding content that could be interpreted as undermining China’s national unity. These regulations are not unique to miHoYo or Genshin Impact, and they affect numerous other games and media produced in China.
China’s government, specifically the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), enforces strict rules that prohibit content that challenges the country’s official stance on issues such as territorial claims. To avoid running afoul of these rules and risking their game’s availability in the massive Chinese market, miHoYo, like many other Chinese game developers, must adhere to these regulations, which result in the censorship of certain terms and topics.
The implications of this are significant. While the censorship may be subtle for some players, for others it raises concerns about freedom of expression and the influence of political agendas in video games. It also highlights the complexities of the global gaming market, where different regions have different content regulations and priorities.
How Does Censorship Manifest in Genshin Impact?
The primary method of censorship in Genshin Impact is through the in-game chat function. If players attempt to type words like “Taiwan” or “Hong Kong,” the text is automatically replaced with asterisks, preventing any discussion or mention of these topics. This measure ensures that any potentially sensitive content is avoided in public spaces within the game. The number of asterisks often corresponds to the length of the censored word.
This chat censorship is not unique to Genshin Impact. Many other Chinese-developed games employ similar filtering techniques to comply with regulatory demands. This proactive approach is a strategic move by developers to safeguard their game’s presence in the lucrative Chinese market, where strict enforcement of content regulations is the norm.
Broader Implications of Chinese Game Censorship
The censorship experienced in Genshin Impact is part of a larger trend of content control within China’s media and entertainment industries. The Chinese government’s objective is clear – to ensure that any content available to its citizens does not challenge the Communist Party’s authority or its narratives on historical or political matters.
This extends beyond games, with films, television, social media, and literature all subject to similar scrutiny. The censorship of Genshin Impact is therefore a case study in how global creative industries are influenced and shaped by regional political pressures. For game developers, navigating these restrictions becomes an integral part of product development, leading to a different user experience depending on location.
The Double-Edged Sword of Global Success
The global success of Genshin Impact is also intertwined with discussions about cultural representation and potentially hidden agendas. On one hand, it is praised for exposing global audiences to aspects of Chinese culture, albeit in a stylized and fictional way. On the other hand, some critics have noted the game’s connection to Chinese state media.
The popularity of the game has been cited by state media as an example of Chinese cultural influence on the international stage. This raises concerns for some players, wondering if the game’s global success is also serving a larger political purpose. This situation highlights a complex balance, where cultural exchange is often interwoven with nationalistic aspirations.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Genshin Impact and Censorship
1. Is Genshin Impact a Chinese game?
Yes, Genshin Impact is developed and published by miHoYo, a company based in Shanghai, Mainland China.
2. Does censorship in Genshin Impact only affect the Chinese region?
No. The chat censorship, particularly regarding terms like “Taiwan” and “Hong Kong,” is applied globally. This is not a regional filter, but a company-wide policy to adhere to Chinese content regulations, even outside of the Chinese market.
3. Are there any other games censored by the Chinese government?
Yes. Many games developed in China have to adhere to strict content regulations. This includes censorship of political content as well as some social and cultural topics.
4. What other words are censored in Genshin Impact?
Besides “Taiwan” and “Hong Kong,” other sensitive terms related to China’s territorial claims, political figures, and past events are often censored. “Tibet” is another prominent example. Censorship can also extend to topics deemed sensitive by Chinese censors, like LGBTQ+ related content.
5. Is there anything banned in Taiwan?
No, there are no reports of general access bans in Taiwan. Websites of PRC institutions such as the Chinese Communist Party can be freely accessed from Taiwan. However, Taiwan did impose a public sector ban on TikTok in 2022.
6. What does Genshin Impact do to promote Chinese culture?
The game draws inspiration from Chinese mythology, architecture, music and art. The “Liyue” region is a clear example, incorporating many elements of Chinese heritage and tradition.
7. Is there any propaganda in Genshin Impact?
While not overt, some critics suggest that the game’s global success is celebrated by Chinese state media for its cultural transmission, which can be interpreted as a form of soft power. Whether this constitutes propaganda is a point of debate.
8. How do other countries view Genshin Impact?
The views vary. In Japan, many have compared the game to “The Legend of Zelda,” sometimes seeing it as an homage or a clone. Other countries view it as a global gaming phenomenon, often with mixed reactions regarding its origins and content.
9. Does Genshin Impact have inappropriate content?
While the game has a PEGI-12 rating in Europe and 13+ in North America, it does contain some sexualized character designs, which has raised concerns for some players and parents.
10. Is Genshin Impact popular in China?
Yes, Genshin Impact is extremely popular in China, as well as globally. Its success has made it a landmark game in the mobile gaming industry and for Chinese gaming companies.
11. Why has Genshin been embroiled in whitewashing accusations?
There has been criticism regarding the light skin tones of characters within the Sumeru region, which appears to be based on Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and whitewashing.
12. Is Genshin Impact’s design heavily influenced by Japanese anime?
While the game’s aesthetic draws heavily from Japanese anime, it also incorporates elements of Chinese art and culture, leading to a unique blend of influences.
13. What is the Chinese name of Genshin Impact?
Genshin Impact is called 原神 (Yuánshén) in Chinese, which translates to “original God.”
14. Are there queer-coded characters in Genshin Impact?
Some players have interpreted certain character interactions and backstories as having queer undertones or queer coding, which reflects the growing interest in queer representation in gaming.
15. Does Genshin Impact have any swearing?
The game contains some mild profanity, with characters sometimes saying phrases like “Damn You!” when their health is low or during certain interactions. It’s not considered overly explicit in this regard.
Conclusion
The censorship of “Taiwan” in Genshin Impact is a direct consequence of the game’s development within the regulatory environment of Mainland China. It highlights the complex interplay between global entertainment, political agendas, and cultural representation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for players engaging with the game and for a broader analysis of the global gaming landscape. While the censorship may be frustrating for some players, it underscores the impact of national policies on the content that reaches a global audience. The discussion around Genshin Impact offers an important view into the realities of international gaming and content regulation.