Genshin Impact has once again been accused of cultural appropriation from fans and voice actors in response to the reveal of its new cast of Natlan characters.
Every region in Genshin Impact draws heavy inspiration from real world countries and cultures, basing each region’s general design, mythology, and music on these various real-world areas. Inazuma is representative of Japan, Fontaine of France, Mondstadt of Germany and the Netherlands, and so on.
Based on its character and region names, established mythology, and glimpses of what the area looks like in trailers, the upcoming Natlan region looks set to take great inspiration from countries and cultures in both Africa and the Ring of Fire area surrounding the Pacific Ocean, which includes Latin America and Aboriginal Australian cultures. But fans say that this isn’t reflected in Natlan’s character designs, and now the game’s voice actors have joined in the criticism via social media.
“I really hope that a video game company listens to its fanbase when valid criticism is made multiple years in a row about the execution of its research and inclusion of elements/aspects of other cultures,” said Anne Yatco, who voices Raiden Shogun in the game.
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Valeria Rodríguez, who voices Sucrose, shared a similar sentiment: “If you’re going to use real-world deities, RESPECT them. If you’re basing off of real cultures, RESPECT THAT. I’m fine with things being inspired by various cultures – that’s awesome. Representation is dope. But bare minimum do some research and show some cultural appreciation.”