HoYoVerse responded to allegations that Genshin Impact English voice actors have not been paid. In a statement issued to Sports Illustrated, the company confirmed suspicions that this looks like an issue with the external studio Formosa Interactive and are seeking solutions. [Thanks, Sports Illustrated!]
The allegations appeared earlier in July 2023, with voice actor Brandon Winckler taking to Twitter to state that he has not received pay for a project for over four months. He later named Genshin Impact as the problem project and stated that the situation had not been resolved after multiple emails. Paimon voice actor Corina Boettger also confirmed that they have also not received payment since December 2022. Boettger did state that they are unaware if the source of the problem was HoYoVerse or Formosa. Both voice actors also urged for a union contract.
HoYoVerse’s statement does seem to confirm that the voice actor payment problems lie with Formosa. The company stated that it made all necessary payments to the studio and are urging it to pay actors what they are owed. HoYoVerse have stated that it will look into “alternative solutions” to the problem.
There are also seemingly no issues with voice actor’s pay on other HoYoVerse projects. Winckler confirmed that he loves working with Studio Rocket Sound, the studio contracted for Honkai: Star Rail’s English dub. There also does not appear to be an issue with voice actor pay in other countries.
This is not the first controversy HoYoVerse encountered with the English dub of Genshin Impact. The English voice of Tighnari was recast in February 2023 due to sexual misconduct. Tighnari’s dialogue was replaced with performances by new actor Zachary Gordon.
Genshin Impact is available now for PC, PS4, PS5 and mobile platforms.
