miHoYo announced new outfits for multiple characters in Genshin Impact today, though the new looks are mandatory on the Chinese version of the game, leading to assumptions the character designs were censored.
The outfits are for four characters: Amber, Jean, Mona and Rosaria. Taking a look at the outfits, it’s pretty clear that the new designs were made to specifically cover up more revealing aspects of their original outfits: Jean’s top is entirely backless, while Mona and Rosaria’s outfits are high-cut and covered only by tights.
No release window has been given for the costumes, though presumably it would be part of a future patch, likely around the same time as the recently-announced Yae Miko at soonest given how miHoYo usually announces advance news.
The only one with minimal changes is Amber, who’s outfit seems largely the same save for different colored shorts as well as what appears to be reduced cleavage on her character model.
You can view the original designs of the characters below:
While miHoYo never outright says the Genshin Impact designs were censored, they certainly haven’t denied it either. Once the outfits are implemented they will be permanent on the Chinese server, and miHoYo has said they’ll be giving out 1200 primogems explicitly as an apology for the new designs.
It also tracks with what we know about how China censors its games- the country’s government is trying to crack down on oversexualized characters, and it’s safe to assume we’ll be seeing more of these in future.
While the redesigned outfits aren’t in the game, Chinese players have reported their base outfits have also received slight tweaks to stay clear of censorship laws for now:
It should be noted that global players, on the other hand, have nothing to fear. The outfits will simply be available as alternate skins for those who want to change up their characters looks.That being said, they also won’t be getting the free 1,200 primogems Chinese players will.