The issue of melanin (or lack thereof) has been controversial since Sumeru region dropped, and judging by the recent teasers for the upcoming Natlan, it seems like the Genshin Impact team and/or HoYoverse still do not understand/care why many people have an issue with the character designs.

tl;dr: Genshin Impact team and HoYoverse, please consider redesigning Natlan characters with respect to their originating cultures, e.g. include playable and non-playable characters with dark/brown skin tones.

I have written countless feedback to Genshin Impact team over the years with regards to diversity through their in-game surveys. Taking inspiration from Anilyan and June Yoon, today I’ve decided to also email Genshin Impact team regarding this issue based on their messages.

Feel free to use my/Anilyan/June Yoon’s messages as a template - make adjustments to suit your situation.

My message: http://tiny.cc/natlan

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While you’re here, please sign this petition:
Stop Cultural Appropriation and Whitewashing in MiHoYo Games

Petition summary: “We call on MiHoYo to stop cultural appropriation and whitewashing in their games and to commit to respectful and accurate representation of all cultures.”

Frame of Mind - Syn’s Game Review

Frame of Mind is a game where you find yourself in a white-and-blue world in which physics and surrealism collide.

Since “each area of the game defies reason”, it’s important to to think outside the box to solve the puzzles and mazes throughout the whole game. Personally, I found it difficult but addictive.

ADHD is a huge reason why I’m anxious most of the time, e.g. embarrassing myself for mixing up words, can’t remember things, get distracted/overwhelmed.

Sometimes I just laugh it off, but when you have an ‘invisible’ disability, people really don’t take it/you and your struggles seriously.

I’ve tried many times, but I can’t handle multiple conversations simultaneously, especially when it’s purely verbal.

There’s a reason I watch all videos/shows with cc on, even if I understand the language(s) used. It’s an auditory processing issue. Also an ADHD thing.

Maybe this is why I’m an introvert. Juggling too many things/interactions is overwhelming. Trying to pay attention to too many things/people is overstimulating, my stressed brain goes into overdrive.

All this is to say, I’m trying not to feel like a bad person for not being normal.

I don’t have a goal for streaming, but it is one of my fav ways to chill online, and it’s nice catching up with friends while I play stuff. Like going to your friend’s and play games on their beanbag while they do their own thing.

I just want a low stress hang out, ykwim?

When I started streaming, I knew barely anything about streamer culture. In fact, I only started catching streams (my friends’ and also to learn) after I became a streamer. I’m not quirky or special, no niche audience or talents.

I’m boring. I’m just me.
If you’re ok with that, I’m grateful.

The Professional - Syn’s Game Review

The Professional is a body-control simulated heist game. It was agonising. But a lot of laughter was also had playing this, lol.

The point of the game is easy - rob a jewel at the other side of the hall. The obstacles? Electrifying lasers, a short flight of stairs, and the limit of your patience.

Bubble People - Syn’s Game Review

CW: mental health

Bubble People is an existential point-and-click game packaged as a love story.

The game was a bit confusing at first, but you quickly get the hang of deciphering amusing symbols as you progress in the game.

I recently started organising the games I wanna play, am playing, or have played and tagging them (my gameshelf is here) for easier reference when I realised that Genshin is a dark and emotional game for me. The number of times the game made me cry, man.

ELLI - Syn’s Game Review

Elli is a single-player adventure game where you chase down the mysterious Ghasti who has stolen something from you, while solving puzzles and collecting items along the way.

Tbh, I adore this game. But after playing this for a few hours (mostly in frustration), I decided to drop it.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure Game - Syn’s Review

“Even the smallest person can make a big difference. Join Alba, as she sets out to save her beautiful island and its wildlife. And possibly start a revolution.”

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a cosy, wholesome game where you join Alba visiting a beautiful island at risk of a wildlife crisis, and with the help of her bestie and fellow islanders, tries to save it.

LAY - Syn’s Game Review

LAY is a free adventure game on Steam where you are Elise, a young explorer full of energy, travelling a mysterious world full of colour and life.

I gave this game a go for about 15 minutes, but I got so frustrated by how much I was struggling with navigation (with barely any guide), that I decided not to continue.

Guys and Dolls (Star 2015) - Takarazuka Revue

Guys and Dolls is an old musical based on stories written by Damon Runyon in the 1920s and 1930s about gangsters, gamblers, and other characters of the New York underworld. The show premiered on Broadway in 1950 and even has a 1955 film adaptation.

Since this story is set in New York in the early 1900s, it’s inevitable that this musical comedy would be strongly accented with western cishet norms/stereotypes (which usually bugs me), but the show was entertaining nonetheless.