In an unexpected turn at Genshin Fest 2024, HoYoverse CEO Da Wei became emotional during his address to fans. The speech, which was intended to update the community on the Natlan region and other upcoming developments, took a heartfelt turn when Da Wei reflected on his recent experiences engaging directly with Genshin Impact players around the world.

Da Wei had taken a discreet, almost undercover, trip to gather candid feedback from players, similar to ancient Chinese emperors who would secretly mingle with their people to understand their concerns. This journey allowed him to hear firsthand the thoughts, frustrations, and hopes of the community regarding the highly anticipated Natlan update. This experience profoundly affected him, as it provided raw insights into the sentiments of Genshin Impact’s global fanbase.

One of the most significant moments of his speech was his acknowledgment of the backlash surrounding the Natlan character designs. Fans and voice actors had voiced strong concerns about the apparent whitewashing and cultural insensitivity, given that the region draws inspiration from African and Indigenous cultures. In a show of humility and responsibility, Da Wei directly addressed these criticisms, promising that HoYoverse would make things right. He emphasized that the company is now consulting with cultural experts to ensure future content respects and accurately represents the cultures it draws from.

As Da Wei continued, the weight of the situation became evident, and he shed tears while speaking about the pressure the team felt and their commitment to addressing the community’s concerns. His emotional response resonated with the audience, highlighting the genuine care and dedication behind Genshin Impact’s development.

Da Wei’s willingness to listen and adapt signals a positive shift for HoYoverse. The company’s renewed focus on player feedback and cultural sensitivity could mark a turning point in how they approach future updates, with the fanbase eagerly awaiting to see how these promises are fulfilled.