Genshin Impact is an action role-playing video game developed and published by miHoYo. It was released on Android, iOS, PlayStation 4 and Windows in 2020, on PlayStation 5 in 2021, while a release on Nintendo Switch is planned. The game features an anime-style open-world environment and an action-based combat system using elemental magic and character switching. The game is available as free-to-play and monetized by a gacha mechanic through which players can obtain new characters and weapons. The base game is regularly improved through patches using the video game as a service model.
Genshin Impact takes place in the fantasy world of Teyvat, home to seven nations, each inspired by a real country and culture, tied to a different element, and ruled by a different god (also called Archon). The story follows the Traveler, who traveled countless worlds with their twin brother before parting ways in Teyvat. The Traveler then travels in search of the lost brother with his companion Paimon and becomes involved in the affairs of the nations of Teyvat. Depending on the chosen gender, the twin will be the opposite.
Development of the game began in 2017. The game received generally positive feedback, with critics praising its combat mechanics and immersive open world, but criticizing its simplistic endgame and monetization model. It had launch revenues of over $3 billion in its first year of launch, the highest of any video game, and revenues of over $4 billion as of March 2022.