Genshin Impact Voice Actors Expose Payment Controversy in HoYoverse

HoYoverse, the Chinese developer behind the massively popular RPG game Genshin Impact, has issued an official statement in response to claims made by voice actors regarding unpaid compensation. Despite its tremendous success since its release in September 2020, with the game generating millions of dollars in China alone through its gacha banners and contributing to the success of other projects like Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse is now facing controversies surrounding payment disputes.

The concern regarding the compensation of Genshin Impact's voice cast emerged when several voice actors, including Brandon Winckler and Corina Boettger, who respectively portray various supporting characters and the game's flagship companion Paimon, spoke out, revealing that they had not received payments for their performances dating back several months. Boettger even disclosed that she had yet to be compensated for dialogue recorded as early as December 2022. In response, HoYoverse is shifting the blame onto another party.

An official statement issued by HoYoverse earlier this week addresses the allegations of non-payment towards some of its voice actors, expressing deep regret for the persisting situation. As per the developer, the payments designated for the voice actors were duly transferred to the recording studio, with the expectation that the studio would then duly compensate the actors. Although HoYoverse did not disclose the identity of its recording studio, the developer of Genshin Impact did mention actively exploring "alternative solutions" while also expressing unwavering support for the game's talented cast.

The recording studio is blamed by the developer for the situation, but the involved voice actors are angered by the debacle. Winckler has stated that he will not work with HoYoverse again unless the developer is associated with a union. Both Winckler and Boettger strongly advocate for unionization in the gaming industry to prevent similar problems in the future. This is not the first time that HoYoverse has faced criticism regarding its voice cast, as Tighnari voice actor Elliot Gindi was removed from the game following allegations of sexual misconduct.

HoYoverse is currently preparing for major updates in its popular titles. Genshin Impact will introduce the new playable region of Fontaine next month, providing new areas, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Honkai: Star Rail will also release its Version 1.2 update next week, introducing three highly-anticipated characters, including Kafka. With a busy summer ahead, HoYoverse will strive to mend its relationship with the voice actors who were dissatisfied with Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and mobile devices. A Switch version is in development.

Source: Videogames.si.com