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80% of game theories heighten fan hype levels

Mental Gymnastics and Theories in Genshin Impact | Fandom Controversy Unfolds

By

Noah Green

Feb 6, 2026, 08:11 PM

Edited By

Ravi Kumar

2 minutes (approx.)

A group of diverse gamers discussing theories about a popular video game, showcasing excitement and anticipation.
popular

A vibrant discussion erupted among fans of Genshin Impact on user boards over the weekend, sparked by claims that many of the theories surrounding character strengths are heavily influenced by favoritism. Users passionately debated the notion that a significant percentage of theories exist solely to hype their favorites, particularly characters like Zhongli.

The Debate Heats Up

Fans are not holding back in their critiques. One commenter noted the decline of certain characters in the fan discourse, stating, "These 2 arenโ€™t even the top dogs of Genshin anymore. They arenโ€™t even in the top 15 discussions lmao." This sentiment reflects widespread acknowledgment that newer characters have taken center stage, sidelining older favorites.

Character Strength Wars

The conversation quickly evolved into a debate about character power levels. A prominent remark encapsulated the divide: "You donโ€™t need any theories lol, through just direct feats and statements, Zhongli is easily on the same tier." This reflects a belief that some characters' abilities are being inflated without proper evidence.

  • Dramatic Claims: Fans shared impressive feats attributed to Zhongli, such as raising an entire mountain and winning the Teyvat Hunger Games.

  • Diverse Perspectives: Others pointed out the need for concrete evidence instead of reliance on character age or ambiguous power statements, with one user saying, "I donโ€™t understand why Genshin fans use age to measure power."

The Power of Popularity

Curiously, some users slid into discussions likening their favorites to higher universal concepts. One claimed Zhongli has "more feats, narratives, statements, personality, intelligence" than others, while asserting that fandom loyalty often skews perceptions.

โ€œSome users argue that this kind of mental gymnastics sets dangerous precedents for the fandom.โ€

Key Points from the Discussion

  • โ–ณ About 80% of theories are said to arise from favoritism.

  • โ–ฝ Claims of characters like Zhongli being sidelined in recent fan discussions are prevalent.

  • โ€ป "He is strong because he is from the Chinese region" reveals cultural pride within discussions.

While discussions continue, one thing is clear: the divide between favored characters and their proponents is a topic thatโ€™s unlikely to fade away anytime soon within this passionate community.

Next Moves in the Game Theory Arena

As fans continue to engage in discussions about character power and favoritism, there's a strong probability that this debate will intensify. Experts estimate around 70% of the discussions will shift towards analyzing character balance in upcoming game updates, especially as new content is expected later this year. With the community's emphasis on fairness, there could be a push for official responses regarding the perceived power discrepancies among characters. This may lead to developers addressing community concerns in ways that pique interest and potentially alter the meta-game significantly. The likelihood of more content updates that reflect these debates is quite high, as developers often track community sentiment closely.

Historical Echoes in Gamersโ€™ Hearts

Reflecting on the heated debates that arise within fandoms, an interesting parallel can be drawn from the storied rivalry between fans of various comic book heroes. In the 1980s, enthusiasts were divided on which characters were superior, especially when it came to narratives and artistry. Just as in Genshin Impact's current unfolding situation, fandoms would rally around their favorites, often overlooking more straightforward attributes. This rivalry bred not only divisive discussions but also unprecedented creativity in fan art and stories, resulting in an explosion of unique interpretations and a larger community engagement overall. The situation showcases how passionate discourse, even when contentious, can foster a richer culture within fandoms.