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Gaming Chinese Soft Power : a Study of Swedish Players’ Reception of Genshin Impact as a Cultural Export

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Author

  • Julia De Almeida

Summary, in English

This thesis investigates 1) How Chinese culture is represented and exported through the video game Genshin Impact, and 2) How the gaming experience of Genshin Impact influences Swedish players’ perception of China. Soft power has increased in importance in recent decades in China and video games are a new strategy. Five Swedish Genshin Impact players were interviewed about their experience and perception of Chinese culture and society in the game. An observational comparison of the domestic and global versions was done. This thesis finds that culture is represented both in the in-game region Liyue but also in how
Genshin Impact represents other cultures. In conclusion Genshin Impact influences Swedish players’ perception of China in both positive and negative ways.

Publishing year

2025

Language

English

Document type

Student publication for Bachelor's degree

Topic

  • Languages and Literatures
  • Social Sciences

Keywords

  • Genshin Impact
  • video games
  • soft power
  • transnationality
  • 原神
  • 电子游戏
  • 软实力

Supervisor

  • Jinyan Zeng