Microsoft hunts for Chinese games following Genshin Impact success
Popularity of MiHoYo's free-to-play RPG has reportedly added "urgency" to the search
Microsoft is said to be accelerating its hunt for Chinese titles, with Genshin Impact named specifically as an example of such.
According to Reuters, the success of the MiHoYo title, which is available on PC, PlayStation, and mobile, has given the move "a sense of urgency."
Two industry sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that Microsoft is now making independent studios in China "big-money offers" to bring more titles to Game Pass.
They also said the company has been building a team to source Chinese titles, which aligns with reports from February that Microsoft wants to help developers in the country reach a global audience.
Sources also told Reuters that Microsoft "regretted" missing out on Genshin Impact, having spoken to MiHoYo prior to the game's release but failing to reach a deal. One of the sources said that the choice to bring the RPG to PlayStation "made Sony a lot of money."
Genshin Impact recently hit its second anniversary, surpassing $3.7 billion in lifetime revenue on mobile alone. China is the No.1 territory for player spending, accounting for 33% of its global mobile earnings.