A gaming fair is currently taking place in China, where Genshin Impact is represented. One of the cosplayers dressed up as the character Zhongli in a wheelchair as a nod to a meme in the Chinese community.
This is currently sparking discussions in Genshin Impact: Cosplayers have become an indispensable part of gaming fairs. Accordingly, several dressed-up fans gathered at the Firefly Animation Game Carnival in Guangzhou, which also features a large exhibition dedicated to Genshin Impact.
One of the cosplayers stood out in particular. He wore the costume of the popular character Zhongli, who first appears in the storyline of the port city of Liyue.
Notably, the cosplayer was in a wheelchair, which in itself is not unusual. However, this was a nod to a meme about Zhongli that is circulating in the Chinese community. The character is regarded there as “invalid” or “physically disabled.”
What is this meme? On reddit, the thread with the photo of the Zhongli cosplayer in the wheelchair exploded. While some users expressed concern that the cosplayer might actually rely on a wheelchair, others clarified that it was a joke.
Zhongli is not only a 5-star character in Genshin Impact, but according to the story, he is actually a god. It can cost fans several hundred euros to obtain him. However, he is considered far too weak and sometimes cannot even keep up with 4-star characters.
One of the users on reddit wrote:
A little context: Zhongli was cosplayed in a wheelchair because he is currently “in the hospital for treatment” (1.3 beta testing). This is how it is described by the Chinese community.
User loweyo on reddit
In the Chinese community, he is referred to by loweyo as 残疾人士 (Cánjí rénshì), meaning “disabled person.” His gameplay abilities and effects are separated into different constellations, which is why a C0-Zhongli is considered “incomplete” or “disabled.”
Zhongli is being pushed in the photos by several other characters like Qiqi, Diluc, or Keqing as a reference to the fact that he is “carried” by other characters in groups.
Several other users in the thread confirmed this statement. The photos also received significant attention on Twitter.
It should be noted, however, that there are currently no known photos of the cosplayer without a wheelchair. It is therefore quite possible that he is indeed physically impaired.
This is what players are saying: The reactions to the cosplay in the Western community are somewhat divided. Many users on reddit and Twitter find the joke well executed. They also say that it is a good way to bring the criticism of the character back to the developers’ attention.
It is a brilliant way to highlight the gameplay-related issues. If it is an official event, then it will be seen by the game developers who are present. And at the same time, it draws attention from other players […]
User DangerBaBa on reddit
Other players joined in on the joke and said that Amber in this case would also need a wheelchair or probably even a grave. She is often referred to as one of the weakest characters.
On the other hand, there was also criticism. On Twitter, users expressed concern and anger that physical impairments are not something to joke about.
This is quite impressive, but also quite offensive to people who are really physically impaired.
@zalakbian on Twitter
This is the status of Zhongli: Following the initial feedback about Zhongli, developer miHoYo has announced several buffs for the character. In addition to HP scaling for his attacks, he will also receive an effect that lowers the elemental and physical resistances of enemies.
The buff is currently being tested. If miHoYo keeps the buff as it is now, it is expected to go live with update 1.3, finally strengthening Zhongli. The update will be released in February.
