In recent weeks, the community has been complaining to Genshin Impact that, in their opinion, there are no reasonable rewards for the first anniversary. But now Genshin Impact is sending in-game mail with gifts to the players.
What happened? After the players were upset about the meager gifts for the 1st birthday and even collectively went to the Google Play Store to leave bad reviews, Genshin Impact has responded.
Although Genshin Impact remains silent on Twitter and everywhere else about it, they are now unexpectedly sending in-game mail to the players. This mail includes a free glider and 400 primogems.
Additionally, the title says “A Thank You to All Travelers (1/4)”. The 1/4 suggests that there will likely be three more letters with rewards sent to the players.
In-game mail 
Equipped glider
Community is sure: “This was not planned”
Why are the rewards believed not to have been planned? The glider was originally announced in a bundle by Genshin Impact in the official patch notes for 2.1 (via Genshin Impact). The bundle was supposed to be called “Boundless Symphony” and cost around 30 euros (via Twitter).
Additionally, the bundle was supposed to include 1000 primogems. Whether the players will now gradually receive the entire bundle via in-game mail remains to be seen.
What does the community say about it? The community is convinced: This was not planned. They argue that Genshin Impact would not have announced it as a bundle beforehand but would have teased it as rewards. The fans are convinced that their protest contributed to this.
On reddit, there is a relevant thread (via reddit):
User LiveLikeKure_ says:
Watch as they ultimately distribute the whole package for free – as a “reward”.
via reddit
obble_says_bababooey adds:
That is actually very likely, the mail says “1/4”. So there is a chance we might receive other items from the bundle for free every day.
via reddit
Neither-Ad8881 has mixed feelings about it:
I have mixed feelings. It looks bad if they are now giving away a package for free when it was supposed to be paid for and only because English and Chinese players have been furious on various platforms. Because that means that they [Genshin Impact] originally did not care at all about giving something for free for the anniversary and this [the bundle] was their last straw. But at the same time, this first step of damage control means that they are somehow listening now.
Now we just have to wait and see if they can also address other issues, especially their communication with players, or if this is just a one-time thing.
via reddit
Even the “Genshin Impact” YouTuber IWinToLose Gaming mentions in his video that these rewards were probably handed out because of community feedback (via YouTube).
Regarding Genshin Impact’s silence, there is a reddit thread speculating that it is due to a change in the PR team. There seems to be a new PR team for the global server (via reddit).
Google Play Store Ratings of Other Games Were Affected
Not only Genshin Impact was rated poorly: Players of Genshin Impact not only left bad ratings for this game in the Google Play Store but also switched to games like Honkai Impact 3rd:
Please give more rewards in Genshin, thanks.
User Laura Marco via Google Play Store
Boris Gördes writes:
The only good thing about this game is the beautiful character designs. Otherwise, it feels like a second job. Since Honkai is also run by Mihoyo as a company, one shouldn’t even start. If respect for the community is important to the developers, then they should stay away from Honkai and Genshin.
via Google Play Store
A reddit thread also reports on other games being attacked by angry “Genshin Impact” fans (via reddit).
Even the English voice actor for Diluc speaks out in a tweet and hints at his displeasure with the community’s behavior (via Twitter).
Furthermore, some players are expecting a special announcement or a statement about the events in the upcoming livestream on Sunday, October 3 at 2 PM.
What do you think about the whole matter? If you are a Genshin Impact player: Are you satisfied with Genshin Impact’s change of direction or what do you wish for? Feel free to write it in the comments.
