MiHoYo's Genshin Impact has sold more than $100 million since its worldwide launch two weeks ago, making it a huge global success for a game from China. Data from multiple sources confirm that the game has generated more than $100 million in revenue in 12 days. The development budget for the game is reported to be around $100 million, and at this point, miHoYo appears to be recouping its costs and generating revenue.

Launched on September 28, the free-to-play, open-world, cel-shaded RPG "Genkai Ibunroku" became extremely popular in Japan, Korea, and China, but it is not without fans in the US and Europe. Nor is it without criticism and controversy.

Renowned Asian gaming industry commentator Daniel Ahmad predicts that the game will soon earn more than RMB 1 billion in Chinese currency. Ahmad, a business analyst at Niko Partners, says that "Genshin Impact" is "arguably the most successful launch of an original IP by a Chinese developer." This is in line with the opinion that was circulating on the Internet last week that "Genshin Impact" is the largest global launch ever by a Chinese developer.

"Genshin Impact" is basically free to play, but is funded through a system of in-game "gacha-style" gambling loot boxes. Our own Steven Messner called the game "the dark horse of 2020" shortly after its launch. It's a charming open-world RPG, with a nice cel-shaded graphic style and plenty to do. It seems like a good game, especially at the price of free, but it is definitely one to avoid if you don't like impulse control in free games. The Washington Post ran an editorial on the subject, "It's gambling for real-world cash in a casino where the house always wins."

This week's PC Gamer podcast delves deeper into why "Phantom of the Phantom" is so compelling despite being free-to-play. To learn more, check out our character guide or read about the two updates coming to Genshikai Hibakusha in 2020.

Cheers, Siliconera.