Never Mess With Genshin Impact Weebs: They Nearly Shut Down Google After It Pissed Them Off

Genshin Impact has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2020. The game introduced an expansive open-world format and showcased the possibility of a live-service model. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive characters, it became a global phenomenon.

Fans were unhappy with the rewards given on the first anniversary. | Image Credit: HoYoverse

However, like any other game, it is also not without its controversies. One such incident occurred in 2021 during the game’s first anniversary, where players were deeply upset by the lack of substantial rewards, leading to a massive backlash that unexpectedly and hilariously also involved Google.

Genshin Impact‘s 2021 anniversary fiasco shook even Google

Players decided to review bomb the game on the PlayStore. | Image Credit: HoYoVerse

This incident occurred in September 2021 (before the anniversary), when players heard rumors about the disappointing rewards for the game’s first anniversary. Many fans felt that the rewards, which were going to be offered to celebrate the game’s one-year milestone, were lackluster, especially when compared to other games.

In response to this disappointment, the entire community banded together to express their frustration. One of the most common methods of protest among gamers is review bombing, and that’s exactly what happened. Genshin Impact’s rating on the Google Play Store plummeted as players flooded the platform with negative reviews.

Within just a few days, the game’s rating dropped from over 4.5 stars to around 2 stars. The angry negative reviews detailed everything from feelings of betrayal to dissatisfaction with the anniversary rewards.

This wave of negative feedback didn’t go unnoticed. Google, suspecting that the influx of negative reviews might be the work of bots, began deleting the reviews. However, it had the opposite effect as this only intensified the anger of the player base.

In retaliation, fans decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of simply targeting the game, they began leaving negative reviews for other games and unrelated apps on the Play Store, including even Google’s own applications, Google Classroom.

While players didn’t get the free 5-star character they were hoping for, they got decent rewards (in-game currency and a wing). This showed how influential an angry but organized fanbase can be. A single upset community can shake not only a developer, but the very platform that hosts their games.

Genshin Impact Fans showed the power of community

The community decided to band together to express their discontent. | Image Credit: HoYoVerse

What makes this incident particularly fascinating is how the community came together to make such a significant impact. It wasn’t just about the rewards or the game itself, it was about a collective voice demanding recognition and respect from the developers.

The situation also highlighted the power of online communities in the modern era. When players feel they have been wronged, and when that anger is channeled in unison, it becomes a force that cannot easily be ignored.

Sure, some may argue that review bombing is not a correct or productive way to handle issues, but these actions demonstrated just how influential an angry but organized fanbase can be, especially if their efforts are not being recognized by the developers.

In the end, the next time a game’s fanbase seems upset or you see a wave of negative reviews, remember: Never mess with Genshin Impact weebs. They might just bring the whole system to its knees.