The Genshin Impact anime adaptation has been a beacon of hope for fans since its announcement, promising to bring Teyvat's vast world to life in stunning animation.
A Grand Announcement in 2022
On September 16, 2022, during the Version 3.1 livestream, HoYoverse revealed the "Genshin Impact Long-Term Project," an animated series in collaboration with renowned Japanese studio ufotable. The concept trailer showcased breathtaking visuals of the Traveler (both Aether and Lumine variants), Paimon, and the elemental wonders of Teyvat, composed by Yu-Peng Chen of HOYO-MiX. Ufotable, celebrated for masterpieces like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Fate/stay night, promised a high-quality adaptation of the open-world RPG.
This reveal ignited global excitement, with the trailer amassing millions of views and sparking endless speculation about story arcs, voice acting, and release timelines.
The Long Wait and Persistent Rumors
For over four years, updates were scarce. Fans speculated wildly: Was the project shelved due to HoYoverse's expanding portfolio, including Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero? Political tensions between China (HoYoverse) and Japan (ufotable)? Or simply the demands of adapting an ever-evolving game narrative?
Cancellation rumors proliferated online, fueled by ufotable's packed schedule with Demon Slayer's Infinity Castle trilogy, set to conclude in 2029. Some even pointed to leaks about a separate Genshin animated movie as evidence of shifting priorities. Yet, no official word came, leaving the community in limbo.
Official Confirmation at Genshin FES 2026
The drought ended at Genshin FES 2026 in Shanghai. During a panel, Aquaria, Genshin Impact's gameplay manager and combat designer, addressed the elephant in the room. In a segment discussing development timelines - where he explained that even shorter game patches take six months and major ones up to 1.5-2 years - Aquaria pivoted to the anime:
"Rest assured, it's in the works. There are no unexpected issues, no instability, everything is progressing steadily."
Why the Extended Timeline?
HoYoverse designed this as a "long-term project" from the start, allowing years of pre-production to match the game's quality standards. Aquaria's talk highlighted the iterative process: concept art, revisions, voice recording, and polishing - akin to game development but tailored for animation.
Ufotable's workload plays a role too. With Demon Slayer wrapping up and other commitments, resources are allocated carefully to maintain their signature fluid action and detailed worlds. Fans speculate a 2027-2030 release, but patience is key for ufotable-level excellence.
What Lies Ahead for Teyvat on Screen
While plot details remain under wraps, the 2022 PV suggests a faithful adaptation focusing on the Traveler's journey through the seven nations. Expect elemental combat sequences rivaling Demon Slayer's swordplay, immersive landscapes, and perhaps expansions incorporating post-Mondstadt arcs like Inazuma or Sumeru.
HoYoverse's in-house 2D animation team has grown robust, hinting at complementary shorts or OVAs in the interim.
Fans Can Breathe Easy
The Genshin Impact anime endures, a testament to HoYoverse's commitment to their flagship title. As Aquaria put it, progress is steady - no drama, just dedication. Travelers, keep exploring Teyvat in-game; the animated adventure draws nearer.