On March 9, Project Hope, a Chinese charity that helps children with their education, expressed its gratitude to over 90,000 gamers of the popular Chinese-made game Genshin Impact on social media. The gamers’ spontaneous donations were worth approximately 2.4 million yuan, equivalent to roughly 344,500 U.S. dollars, and were received in just five days.
This act of kindness from the gaming community was inspired by a teaser promoting a new character in the game named Dehya. In the game’s plot, Dehya, a desert warrior, donated her savings to orphaned children living in the desert and named the fund, “The Wall of Hope.” This gesture touched the hearts of many gamers, who subsequently donated to Project Hope.
Each bill of donation to Project Hope was worth either 6.8 yuan, 30 yuan, or 648 yuan, which corresponded to the price of virtual commodities in the game. The donations will be used to support children’s education in impoverished areas across China, providing them with a better future.
When it comes to philanthropy or donations, Project Hope is a household name in China. Its classic poster and symbol, an innocent photo of a girl named Su Mingjuan, who benefited from the project and was able to receive higher education outside of her impoverished hometown, is firmly etched in the memory of many Chinese people. The charity’s mission to improve access to education for disadvantaged children has resonated with the Chinese people, making it a popular choice for donations.
The reason behind the gamers’ choice of charity can be explained by the similarity between the names “Project Hope” and “The Wall of Hope.” The former expressed gratitude to the over 90,000 gamers who donated to their cause, inspired by a character called Dehya from the game Genshin Impact. The donations were worth 2.4 million yuan, which will be used to support children’s education in impoverished areas across China.
Project Hope expressed their gratitude on their WeChat official account, stating that they were “dazzled by the three numbers – 648, and they are full of our dreams…” The charity also promised to update the donators about the funding situation as soon as possible.
The online article of thanks from Project Hope has had a significant influence, as more people, whether they play Genshin Impact or not, have started making donations. A Weibo user named “Shishanxia” donated 64.8 yuan to Project Hope on March 2, expressing her pride in joining the donators and stating that “we are all Dehyas.”
The Genshin Impact game character teaser on the official YouTube channel has received 1.38 million views so far, and many netizens have expressed their happiness for the children who will benefit from the charitable act of Chinese players.
Project Hope has also expressed their gratitude to the gamers, stating that they have shown “vigor, love, and dedication,” and that they will “inherit hope” and move forward with their love. The charity believes that the power of love will make the gamers shine more, and they are inspired to continue their mission to improve access to education for disadvantaged children.
The recent spontaneous donation campaign for Project Hope was unexpected for the designers of the game Genshin Impact. However, the Shanghai-based developer of the game, miHoYo, had been eyeing educational aid programs for years.
In 2021, miHoYo and the China Youth Development Foundation, the organization behind Project Hope since its inception in 1989, jointly launched a project to assist in the education of teenagers. The first phase of the project was implemented in Tongzi Primary School, a rural school in Yanjin County, Yunnan Province, on the southwestern border of China.
As part of the project, school facilities were upgraded, students received new uniforms, and teachers were able to have regular training. This initiative aimed to support education in disadvantaged areas and improve the quality of education for children who otherwise might not have access to these resources.
Through this project and the recent donation campaign, miHoYo and Project Hope are working towards a shared goal of improving access to education and supporting children’s development across China. Their efforts are helping to create a better future for children in need, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
China’s game industry has been experiencing tremendous growth, as indicated by the 2022 China Gaming Industry Report released in February. The report shows that the sector’s sales revenue reached 265.8 billion yuan in 2022, while the number of gamers in China has increased to 664 million. This growth highlights the significant impact of this cultural industry on the country’s economy and society.
One example of the impact of China’s game industry is the game character Dehya, who has become a role model for young people in China. Dehya’s popularity is due to her depiction as a strong, independent female character, which is a departure from traditional gender roles in Chinese society. Her popularity demonstrates the potential of games to shape social norms and values, and underscores the importance of creating positive representations in games.
In addition to the cultural impact, China’s game industry has also contributed to scientific and technological innovation. In recent years, the industry’s technological advancements have been applied in sectors such as medical treatment and sports. For instance, virtual reality technology has been used in sports training, while games have been used to improve cognitive abilities and mental health in medical treatment. These applications demonstrate the potential for games to have a positive impact on society beyond entertainment.
As China’s game industry continues to grow, game developers are becoming more aware of their social responsibilities. According to Chen Shaofeng, a professor studying cultural industries at Peking University, game developers understand the importance of producing games with high quality and positive influence on younger generations. This awareness highlights the industry’s commitment to creating games that not only entertain but also have a positive impact on society.
In conclusion, China’s game industry has become a significant cultural industry in the country, with a massive player base and significant economic impact. The industry’s growth has led to a positive impact on society, including the representation of positive values and the use of game technology in medical and sports training. The industry’s commitment to social responsibility shows the potential for games to have a positive influence on society beyond entertainment.
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