Since its global launch in 2020, Genshin Impact has grown into one of the most recognizable and commercially successful gacha games of all time, cementing developer miHoYo—also known as HoYoverse—as a powerhouse in the gaming industry. But even as the studio prepares for a decade or more of ongoing content for its flagship title, it has recently revealed a dark chapter in its internal operations: four former employees have been sentenced to prison for bribery and corruption, marking the latest example of the company’s zero-tolerance policy toward fraudulent activity that could harm its intellectual property or business integrity.
The news was confirmed in a translated official statement published by miHoYo on WeChat on February 6, 2026, following a months-long internal investigation. According to the announcement, the four former staff members abused their positions of authority to solicit bribes from partner companies, seeking illicit personal gains. After a formal trial, they were found guilty of “accepting bribes as non-state personnel” and handed varying prison sentences: one received one year and four months, two were sentenced to one year and three months each, and the fourth was given six months of imprisonment. The developer reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent business environment in the wake of the convictions.
But the corruption probe did not end with the four imprisoned employees. miHoYo also disclosed details about a fifth former member of the Genshin Impact marketing team, who was found to have abused their power to “seek benefits for his own company.” The studio has shared all evidence related to this individual with local authorities for further investigation and added him to the blacklists of regional anti-fraud alliances, effectively barring him from employment in the industry permanently. Additionally, miHoYo released a lengthy blacklist of former partner companies that were involved in the bribery scheme, taking a firm stance against any entity that colluded to undermine its operations.
This is far from the first time miHoYo has taken aggressive action to protect its IPs and business practices. Shortly after Genshin Impact’s launch, the studio secured prison sentences for several content creators who were found to be distributing cheats for the game. It has also targeted leakers who share unreleased content, including a high-profile lawsuit against prominent Genshin Impact leaker UBatcha and their large Discord server. In 2025, miHoYo’s publisher Cognosphere took legal action against a Honkai: Star Rail player, seeking $150,000 in damages after the individual shared unreleased gameplay of the 5-Star character Castorice. While tracking down leakers can be challenging, as some obtain inside information through current or former staff, miHoYo has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to pursue legal action to safeguard its work.
Even as it addresses internal corruption, miHoYo continues to expand its portfolio and update its existing titles. The studio has confirmed plans to support Genshin Impact for at least 10 years, with new projects like Honkai: Nexus Anima and Varsapura also in development. In recent months, its games have seen major milestones: Honkai: Star Rail launched a highly anticipated Fortnite collaboration in February 2026, featuring skins for fan-favorite characters Kafka and Blade, which is poised to become one of the studio’s biggest crossovers to date. Meanwhile, Genshin Impact’s ongoing Luna IV update recently rolled out its annual Lantern Rite event, a fan-favorite tradition, and its Nod-Krai storyline is still unfolding. Rumors suggest the next patch, expected later in February, will bring back popular characters Skirk and Flins alongside the long-awaited debut of Anemo DPS Varka, with more details set to be revealed during an official livestream on February 16.
For a studio that has built its reputation on delivering immersive, player-centric experiences, the recent corruption scandal serves as a reminder that even the most successful companies are not immune to internal misconduct. But miHoYo’s swift action—from internal investigations to legal prosecution and public disclosure—underscores its commitment to upholding integrity across its operations. As fans look forward to upcoming content for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and future miHoYo titles, the studio’s handling of this scandal sends a clear message: any attempt to compromise its business or IP will be met with severe consequences.
Recent analysis comes from VentureBeat GamesBeat, where broader industry reporting often frames cases like miHoYo’s anti-bribery crackdown within larger discussions about publisher governance, live-service risk management, and the growing importance of internal compliance as major game companies protect long-term franchises and commercial partnerships.