The Genshin Impact community has recently become embroiled in controversy surrounding the appointment of Jacob Takanashi as the new English voice actor for Kinich. This comes at a time when many voice actors across the United States are on strike, advocating for protections against the unethical use of artificial intelligence that threatens their livelihoods. Notably, John Patneaude, the original voice actor for Kinich, is among those striking.
After a hiatus of six months during which Kinich remained voiceless, Takanashi stepped into the role. This decision has sparked significant backlash from several English voice actors within the Genshin Impact community, leading to a split in opinion among players regarding the appropriateness of Takanashi’s hiring.
Conflict in the Genshin Impact Community Over Voice Actor Recast
The announcement of Jacob Takanashi’s recasting followed the release of Genshin Impact’s version 5.5 patch notes, in which HoYoverse outlined the change. Shortly thereafter, Takanashi took to X to express his gratitude for the opportunity to join the cast as Kinich, referring to it as a privilege to “carry the flame”from his predecessor, John Patneaude.
However, Patneaude publicly responded to Takanashi’s announcement, expressing disappointment that a recast occurred without his involvement and shared his hope to return to the role when the situation allowed.
The controversy escalated when fellow English voice actors from Genshin Impact, including Corina Boettger (Paimon), Kayli Mills (Keqing), Shara Kirby (Candace), Corey Holland (Caribert), and Brianna Knickerbocker (Hu Tao), rallied in support of Patneaude. They criticized Takanashi for accepting a role that they believe should have remained vacant during the strike. Boettger directly responded to Takanashi, stating:
“this wasn’t a passing of the torch.”
As opinions in the playerbase become polarized, some rally behind the original voice actors and their stance against Takanashi, while others argue that the public backlash toward him has been excessive and unprofessional. This divide highlights the complexities of labor issues within the entertainment industry, particularly as they intersect with fan communities.
The situation remains unresolved, prompting observers to speculate on how relationships and roles within the Genshin Impact community may evolve in the coming weeks. This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing voice actors in an industry increasingly impacted by technological advancements.