Genshin Impact Has Plans for New Characters, Locations and Next-Gen – But Not Xbox

Genshin Impact developer MiHoYo is working on more characters, locations, and next-gen versions of the game – but has no plans for an Xbox version.Speaking to IGN Japan, a MiHoYo spokesperson explained that it considers Genshin Impact a live service game, “and the current version is only a portion of the content […] We will continue developing even more content and gameplay while also releasing updates and optimizations. So, the product that goes online isn’t the ‘final version’, but rather the ‘first step’.”

While MiHoYo doesn’t have immediate plans to add new mechanics to the mix, its aim is to build Genshin Impact’s world out from its current state. The game launched with 20 characters and two major city locations (Mondstadt and Liyue), and the developer makes clear that more charcaters, character-specific missions, and a third city are currently in development. New side quests will also be added.

Many of the ongoing decisions will be made based on player feedback, and MiHoYo’s inviting players to tell them what they’d like to see. “One could say that the real work has only just begun”, said the spokesperson.

The game was released on PC, PS4 and mobile, with a Switch version already confirmed. However, MiHoYo is already working on other platforms: “We already have plans in regards to Genshin Impact on next-gen consoles, and we will update everyone accordingly at a future date.” Those won’t necessarily be straight ports either, with the spokesperson making clear that, “We are also in discussion over future visual improvements as well.”

However, the one area that Genshin Impact won’t seem to be expanding into is Microsoft consoles, with MiHoYo saying, “We currently don’t have any plans for an Xbox version of the game.” It’s not clear if that’s down to an exclusivity deal, Xbox’s lower presence in Asian markets, or other factors.

Genshin Impact’s had a very strong start to its life, seeing over 17 million downloads on mobile alone, and making an estimated $50 million. The free-to-play action-RPG can be a little confusing as it begins, so we’ve got a beginner’s guide to characters, combat and currencies, as well as a primer on how to use its cross saves, and how to play co-op.

Joe Skrebels is IGN’s Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.