Microsoft is apparently scouting for a developer to create a game similar to Genshin Impact. Launched by Hoyoverse, then called miHoYo, in September 2020, the action role-playing title stormed onto the gaming scene with almost instant success, and the mobile version of Genshin Impact raked in nearly $400 million in less than two months. It has been something of a phenomenon, and Hoyoverse releases content updates at a reliable rate and regularly interacts with its thriving community.
Genshin Impact takes the gacha mechanics of mobile games and brings them to PC and PlayStation consoles. Up to then, that type of gameplay had been primarily confined to mobile platforms, and many gamers were displeased to see gacha make the move to bigger screens. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the point of view, it proved to be a very lucrative decision, and other companies have been eager to recreate the successful model of Genshin Impact.
According to a recent report from Reuters, it seems that Microsoft is one of those companies hoping to release a game similar to Genshin Impact. The tech giant has been putting together a team to scout the Chinese market for games that it could bring over to Game Pass, and two sources have stated that Microsoft regretted missing out on Hoyoverse’s release. Apparently, the two companies had spoken while Genshin Impact was still in early development, but a deal was never reached and Sony scooped up the game for limited console exclusivity.
Though creating a successful video game in general can be very profitable for studios, it’s the mobile game market that really brings in the big numbers. In recent years, companies that have traditionally been on PC or console have been making the transition to portable devices, including Microsoft. If the ongoing acquisition of Activision goes through, Microsoft plans to create a mobile store specifically to house games published by Activision and King.
Companies hoping to replicate the popularity of Genshin Impact began making an appearance rather quickly. When it launched globally in August 2022, Hotta Studio’s Tower of Fantasy was dubbed a sci-fi Genshin Impact clone, and the two have attracted similar audiences. Unfortunately, that game wasn’t as well received and, for the moment, players hoping to find an enjoyable game like Hoyoverse’s RPG but in another setting may have to wait for a while longer.
Though Genshin Impact will soon be getting a Switch port, there’s been no word about the game coming to Xbox systems. So the prospect of Microsoft developing its own take on the popular title will be an exciting prospect for many.
Genshin Impact is currently available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5, with a Switch version in development.
Source: Reuters