Loekalization Blog

Today, ali213.net, one of the earliest gaming media in China, published an article in their gossip section that boldly declared Chinese gacha games are single-handedly reshaping the global gaming landscape, leaving Western developers face down in a pile of their own politically correct misery. According to this little masterpiece of editorial sass, titles like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Wuthering Waves have bewitched Western players with their stunning visuals, rich storylines, and gameplay so addictive you’d think it was laced with digital MSG. Meanwhile, Western studios, the article claims, are too busy writing sociology essays disguised as video games to make anything fun anymore.

The highlight of this argument comes in the form of a bizarre anecdote: supposedly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a “cow-woman forcibly kissing the protagonist.” Now, let’s pause here. Not only is this claim wildly inaccurate, but it also seems to be a strange mix of misunderstanding and imagination. Here’s the reality: in The Veilguard, there is no forced romance, no forced kissing, and absolutely no “cow-women.” What the article seems to be referring to—rather unkindly—is a female Qunari character named Taash. Qunari are a humanoid race in the Dragon Age universe, known for their horns and unique appearance, but they are certainly not depicted as livestock in any sense.

More importantly, all romances in The Veilguard are entirely optional and player-driven. Players can choose to pursue romantic relationships with any of the seven companions, including Taash, or simply remain platonic friends. Every romantic interaction is consensual and thoughtfully woven into the narrative. So, to put it bluntly, the “cow-woman kissing” scenario? Pure fiction. If the writer of the ali213 piece saw a Qunari and thought, “That’s a cow,” I’d suggest they book an appointment with their local optometrist immediately.

The article gleefully concludes that the “times have changed,” and Western developers need to snap out of their politically correct coma to reclaim their former glory. It’s a fiery thesis, no doubt, but it’s about as airtight as a balloon in a cactus patch.

First of all, let’s address the notion that Chinese gacha games have completely conquered the Western market. Sure, Genshin Impact is a global phenomenon, and titles like Honkai: Star Rail are making waves, but to say they’ve overshadowed Western games entirely? That’s a stretch even a gacha character with maxed-out flexibility couldn’t pull off. According to Newzoo’s 2023 Global Games Market Report, the U.S. remains the world’s largest gaming market, generating $46.7 billion in revenue, with China following closely at $44.6 billion. Western studios are still producing smash hits left and right, whether it’s sprawling RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 or adrenaline-pumping shooters like Call of Duty. The gaming market is enormous, and there’s plenty of room for everyone—though admittedly, only one side seems to be offering waifus with gravity-defying hair.

Then there’s the article’s claim that Western developers are sacrificing gameplay on the altar of political correctness. While it’s true that some recent Western games lean into social themes, this is far from a universal trend. For every title pushing boundaries with complex narratives, there’s another that thrives on pure, unfiltered fun. Take Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, for instance—a no-nonsense, action-packed shooter that generated over $1 billion in just 10 days, becoming the fastest-selling title in franchise history. Its success proves that straightforward, escapist entertainment still reigns supreme for many players.

On the other hand, The Last of Us Part II offers a different flavor, weaving themes of revenge, trauma, and LGBTQ+ representation into its narrative. With over 10 million copies sold by spring 2022—4 million in its first three days—it demonstrates that there’s also a market for bold, thought-provoking storytelling, even if it divides opinion.

These contrasting successes show that Western developers cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether players are seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills or emotionally charged narratives, the diversity of storytelling approaches ensures there’s something for everyone. After all, not every gamer is looking for a clone of Honkai’s brightly colored chaos.

And about that SweetBaby comment—the article claims this supposed pro-diversity game company’s website has been shut down. Well, if by “shut down” you mean “still up and running with added cybersecurity measures,” then sure, let’s go with that. A quick check proves their site is alive and kicking, making the article’s fact-checking skills look about as reliable as your odds of pulling a five-star character on your first gacha roll.

As we wrap up this analysis, let’s dip our toes into the bubbling hot pot of whether DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) influences sales figures in the Chinese market. Spoiler: the answer is as complex as trying to explain a QTE sequence to your grandma. The cultural contexts in China and the West are about as similar as dumplings and donuts, and this gulf plays a massive role in how DEI themes are received—or not.

China’s societal foundation, built on a sturdy base of Confucian harmony and collectivism, isn’t exactly a playground for “celebrating individuality.” It’s more like, “Hey, let’s all get along and stop making waves.” Contrast that with the West, where it’s practically a sport to shout about individuality from the rooftops. This cultural divide makes certain DEI themes, like racial and LGBTQ+ inclusion, about as popular in China as pineapple on pizza. Take the numbers: 71% of Americans support same-sex marriage, but in China, that figure drops to 53% (source: the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law). Meanwhile, only 5% of sexual minorities in China have come out publicly—because, apparently, blending in is a survival skill when grandma’s main concern is whether you’ll continue the family line (source: United Nations Development Programme).

But don’t cue the sad violin just yet. DEI isn’t exactly persona non grata in China—it’s just approached with a touch of pragmatic flair. A study by the City University of Hong Kong found that 72% of Chinese respondents noticed diversity in their workplaces, with 46% thinking it was favorable for promoting innovation (source: CEIBS). Translation? “If it helps the company, great. If it brings in chaos, not so much.” It’s inclusion with a side of “Don’t mess up the group project.”

Then there’s the generational wildcard. Younger Chinese, especially those aged 25–40 with a higher education (and probably too much bubble tea), are showing more openness to DEI (https://news.sina.cn/sa/2005-09-15/detail-ikkntiam4591887.d.html). These are the folks who might think, “Okay, maybe a bit of rainbow in the narrative won’t hurt—just don’t take away my waifus.” But let’s not forget the elders, who often clutch their traditional values tighter than their Mahjong tiles. Shifts in attitude are happening, but they’re about as fast as a snail doing a marathon in molasses.

So, does DEI impact gaming sales in China? The answer is a “yes, but also no” masterpiece of ambiguity. Western games heavy on DEI themes can sometimes flop harder than a fish out of water in China, while titles that weave in local cultural elements (cough Black Myth: Wukong cough) rake in praise. The trick for developers? Create a game that says, “Look, we’re inclusive, but also, check out this mythical monkey king doing cool flips.” Basically, tread carefully, and maybe add a dragon for good measure.

In the end, gaming mirrors the societies it serves—sometimes as a sleek modern lens, and other times as a funhouse mirror making everything look hilariously oversized. Both China and the West have their unique takes on DEI, and developers navigating this terrain are essentially walking a tightrope made of gacha rolls. Whether your audience wants mythical warriors or storylines with a splash of diversity, one thing’s clear: if your game slaps, players will show up. If it doesn’t? Well, there’s always Mahjong.

As for me, I’m a 50-year-old white hetereosexual bloke who doesn’t get DEI or woke—and honestly, I never will. But here’s the deal: live and let live. A lesbian recently ticked me off for wearing a mask indoors because I “believe” in COVID, but you know what? She’s as free to care about my face decoration as I am to care about what gender she hooks up with in her attic. That’s the beauty of freedom—yours ends where mine begins, and vice versa. So how about we quit the drama and focus on what truly matters: dragons, waifus, and soul-crushing gacha pulls.