Why I'm Uninstalling Genshin Impact

Summary

The speaker expresses both admiration and frustration with a game that introduces numerous characters but fails to give them meaningful development or closure. While the game’s vast character roster sparks creativity and passion within the fanbase, many characters are left underdeveloped, overshadowed by new content or lost in obscurity. The speaker laments that fan creations are often the only way to explore deeper character dynamics, as the game's narrative falls short. Despite the flaws, the game remains enjoyable, and its influence on fan creativity is undeniable, though the speaker wishes for better character resolutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The game struggles with a lack of meaningful character development, particularly for less popular or permanently available characters.
• 😀 New and shiny characters tend to overshadow older ones, resulting in a cycle where characters never receive closure or significant growth in their story arcs.
• 😀 Characters who are too popular may not get development, while those who are not popular enough are neglected.
• 😀 There is a deep sense of disappointment regarding the game's failure to provide satisfying conclusions to character arcs.
• 😀 The game's monetization strategy, including teasing characters to draw in players, feels exploitative, often leaving players emotionally invested but financially drained.
• 😀 While the game features a wide range of likable characters, their lack of development and attention from the developers is a key issue.
• 😀 Some of the most emotionally impactful moments in the game are rare, with the stories of certain characters (like Jean, Diona, and Chi-Chi) remaining incomplete.
• 😀 Despite the game's shortcomings, it has inspired a strong fan community, producing fan works like art, animations, and fanfiction that explore character dynamics more deeply.
• 😀 The game is not hated by the speaker, but the critique stems from a desire for it to improve and offer more depth and closure in its character-driven storytelling.
• 😀 There is a strong emotional attachment to the characters, but the lack of development makes it difficult to feel truly fulfilled by their stories.
• 😀 The speaker expresses frustration that their complaints about the game's narrative structure are unlikely to be addressed, despite their personal investment in the game's characters and world.

Q & A

What is the main critique of the protagonist in *Genshin Impact*?

The main critique is that the protagonist, Lumine or Aether, serves as a silent vessel with little to no character development, which limits emotional engagement and prevents the player from becoming fully invested in the story.

Why is Paimon considered a problematic character?

Paimon is seen as redundant because she dominates conversations, often stating obvious facts and acting as a guide, which detracts from the protagonist’s potential to engage with the player more meaningfully.

How does the game’s episodic narrative structure affect the protagonist's journey?

The episodic structure causes a disjointed narrative where the protagonist’s main goal of finding their lost sibling is often overshadowed by side quests related to other regions, making the story feel unfocused and disconnected from the protagonist's personal journey.

What role does monetization play in character development in *Genshin Impact*?

Monetization, particularly through gacha banners, heavily influences character development. Characters tied to popular, limited-time banners receive more content and story arcs, while less popular characters or those on the standard banner are often neglected.

Why are some characters like Jean or Chi-Chi not receiving proper development?

Characters like Jean and Chi-Chi, who are on the standard banner or less popular, are sidelined in favor of characters who are featured in limited-time banners. This leads to a lack of meaningful development for those who are not generating as much revenue.

How do fan works address the lack of character depth in the game?

Fan works, including art, fanfiction, and animations, explore character dynamics and relationships in more depth, offering a richer narrative experience than the official game’s story arcs, which often neglect or underuse the characters.

What is the critique of the game’s pacing and how does it affect player investment?

The pacing is criticized for being slow, with story chapters stretched over long periods, which makes it difficult for players to stay engaged with the overarching narrative or feel connected to the protagonist's journey.

How does the game use characters as tools to generate revenue?

Characters in *Genshin Impact* are often treated as marketing tools, with their development and presence in the game determined by their potential to generate revenue through limited-time banners. This creates a cycle where popular characters are continuously developed, while others are ignored.

What emotional impact does the lack of character arcs have on players?

The lack of meaningful character arcs and resolutions creates a sense of emotional detachment, as players grow attached to characters but are left frustrated by the lack of development and conclusion to their stories.

What is the ultimate frustration the author expresses about *Genshin Impact*?

The ultimate frustration is that while *Genshin Impact* has some of the author’s all-time favorite characters, the game’s focus on monetization and episodic storytelling prevents those characters from receiving the depth and development they deserve, making the game feel shallow despite its potential.