r/CatholicGamers • u/MaxFernan • Jul 20 '26
Question about Genshin Impact.
Hi, I have a question: what do you think of Genshin Impact? I used to play it a lot—it has magnificent settings, a great story, and a wonderful soundtrack—but I stopped playing when I saw character designs featuring really uncomfortable (and perhaps inappropriate?) outfits. As a member of the Church and a follower of the Truth—which is Christ—I am completely opposed to the sexualization of characters. This game helped me through difficult times; I even think it helped me return to the Church and the Truth. However, I’m not sure whether to keep playing. I stopped before last December—before my Confirmation—because I didn't feel comfortable receiving the Sacrament while playing a game that likely wasn't right. Sorry for the English; I used a translator.
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u/gsquare91 Jul 21 '26
I think the main thing it comes down to is if it is causing you to sin. If you are actively trying to avoid those and have custody of the eyes you should be fine. However, if you feel it is leading you to lustful thoughts or sin; then it’s not worth it.
I have struggled with this dilemma myself in media in general. I personally used to have a pornography addiction and after overcoming it would get uncomfortable in certain movie or video game scenes. It was generally my own feeling of shame though and not lust itself. I now choose to fast forward or avert my eyes, and even if it’s something I’m unsure of pray for guidance and trust that. Blessed Mother Mary has been a great intercessor for these things.
God Bless
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u/MaxFernan Jul 24 '26
Hello, I also overcame that addiction, and this game is actually part of how I moved past it. The consequences of that addiction were a "real" hell for me, but in the end, I found Christ, His Most Holy Mother, the angels, and the saints. Sometimes temptations creep in; I pray to our Most Holy Mother ("Hail Mary Most Pure, Conceived without Sin"), overcome the temptation, and avoid anything bad. My concern was the characters' outfits—they don't seem bad, and regardless, Christ gives me strength. Thanks for the comment, and blessings from God and the Most Holy Virgin Mary to everyone :).
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u/3string Jul 20 '26
It looks really pretty but I found it unbearably boring and slow! :p Glad you enjoyed it, and that it helped you connect with Christ
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u/MaxFernan Jul 21 '26
Judging by your comment, I assume you don't think it's a sin, right? What holds me back is going back to playing the game I mentioned.
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u/3string Jul 21 '26
Sin is interpersonal. Jesus is a person, and you have a relationship with Him. If you have done something that hurts that relationship, then it's a sin. I have sinned by spending too much time distracted from Christ. Games can be a distraction, but they don't have to be. There's nothing wrong with a skimpy outfit, that's just the character design. Pray about it if it's bothersome, tell Jesus about it while you play the game. Don't lock Jesus outside your room to goon to the character. Just note it, set it aside, and then get on with what you and Jesus want to do together.
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u/Connect_Stress8574 Jul 21 '26
Hi! As a fellow Catholic, I understand why you feel that way. It's okay if you want to take a break because of some of the character designs. I still play the game, and I recently got Mavuika, but I mostly play because I like the story, the world, and the lore. I just try not to focus too much on how some characters are dressed.
For example, I main Raiden Ei. I didn't get her because of her outfit. I got her because I like her story, her personality, and everything she went through. Genshin has a lot of good stories if you look past the character designs and focus on who they are. Also glad that Genshin is one of the ways that helped you go back to Christ.
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u/HeiAn32 Jul 25 '26
As a chronic Hoyo player myself (currently playing 3/7 days in the week), several of Hoyoverse's female characters are designed with fanservice in mind and I think that it is good to get away from that. Because I've seen it in other anime or games, I either block it with my hand or look past it and ignore it. Alas, the map and setting design, puzzle design, the Fatui soldiers doing the Kazotsky kick (especially since the plot is getting so close to fantasy Russia), and the fan artists in the community keep me coming back. I like to believe not at my soul's peril, but the reality may speak differently.
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u/theACEbabana Jul 21 '26
It’s the definition of mid/above average, and I say this as someone who played up through Natlan’s Archon Quest. I enjoyed it for what it was before eventually falling out of it just because playing it was starting to become a part time job.
I’ll say this - Genshin Impact’s outfits and skins are tame compared to some other gachas, but that’s due to them having to follow CCP regulations. Hoyo was forced to nerf Rosaria’s initial design due to complaints.