Genshin Impact Featured on CCTV: Half Its Players Are Overseas

Genshin Impact just got a major shoutout from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, and it's kind of a big deal.

During its World Weekly program, CCTV aired a segment called "New 'Trendy' China" that focused on miHoYo's open-world adventure game, dedicating a good chunk of time to its music. That's right — the game that's been eating up your free time is now getting airtime on national television.

So what did they talk about? The show highlighted how Genshin's seven nations draw inspiration from different civilizations throughout human history. Sumeru blends elements from the Middle East and South Asia, Fontaine channels modern Western Europe, Snezhnaya reflects Slavic culture, and Liyue brings that classic ancient Chinese aesthetic. According to the program, the team's creative goal is to discover the unique beauty of each civilization and find the shared emotions that connect people across cultures.

Music plays a huge role in how Genshin builds those distinct regional identities. The soundtrack weaves together traditional instruments and melodies from around the world with orchestral arrangements, giving each nation its own sonic fingerprint. It's a clever way to let players feel the cultural atmosphere of each region just by listening — and honestly, if you've ever just stood around in Liyue Harbor doing nothing but vibing to the music, you get it.

CCTV also dropped some numbers, citing market analysis firm Sensor Tower. Two years after launch, Genshin Impact had pulled in $3.7 billion in global mobile player spending, landing at third place on the worldwide mobile game revenue chart for that period. And here's the kicker: about half of all registered players come from overseas. That's a massive international footprint for a game born in China.

For those who somehow haven't jumped in yet, Genshin takes place in the fantasy world of Teyvat. You play as the Traveler, journeying across different nations, meeting companions with all sorts of abilities and backgrounds, and slowly uncovering the mysteries of Teyvat and the "Genshin" themselves while searching for a lost sibling. It's available on PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android, and iOS — so basically, wherever you game, it's there.

Getting featured on CCTV is no small thing, and it's a solid reminder of just how far this game has come since launch. Whether you're a day-one player or just curious about the hype, there's never been a better time to dive into Teyvat.

What do you think about Genshin getting mainstream recognition like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!