Genshin Impact has always championed itself as a culturally diverse game.
The majority of the worldbuilding you see in Genshin Impact comes from a variety of real world cultures.
From character inspirations and map design to the key in of music you hear and the food you cook.
And HoYoverse prides itself in that.
Every time a new region releases, the devs champion the culture or history they drew inspiration from.
However, underneath that celebration of culture lies an underbelly of discontent within certain segments of the community.
The word exotic doesnt necessarily connote a negative description.
Another character who suffers from implied negative connotations is Liyues Xinyan.
Another point of contention that arose from the backlash was the perceived orientalism.
This, of course, left a bad taste in players mouths.
Early Natlan backlash, and whats the point in all this?
And finally, Natlan.
Not much is known about this new region, as it is yet to be released in-game.
The regions where HoYoverse drew inspiration from are inhabited by POCs, and Indigenous POCs at that.
So why does skin colour matter in a fictional game?
It is fictional, after all.
Of course, its best to remember that the video only teased the first set of characters for Natlan.
Who knows, maybe the next addition will feature a more diverse cast?
Natlan is still right around the corner.
Lets not count our chickens before they hatch.
