On Friday, May 24, 2024, the official YouTube channel for the popular video game Genshin Impact released a new animated short titled “The Road Not Taken.” This short is a music video running approximately 3.5 minutes long, featuring a song of the same name performed by HOYO-MiX and the renowned Japanese singer and lyricist Aimer.
The animated short primarily focuses on the characters Aether and Lumine, who are the central figures in the Genshin Impact universe. However, it also features other beloved characters such as Paimon and Danslief. Throughout the short, these characters are depicted journeying around Teyvat, the continent that serves as the primary setting for the Genshin Impact game.
The New Animation Is Everything Fans Needed Before the Anime
The release of “The Road Not Taken” was part of the Genshin Impact version 4.7 special live stream. This event was not only a platform to debut the animated short but also served as an announcement medium for several exciting updates and events related to the game. Among these announcements were new character banners, the introduction of a new 4-star character slated for the first half of the upcoming update, and two additional 4-star characters set to be introduced in the second half.
The release of the animated short has ignited considerable excitement among fans. While many fans are grabbed by the beauty and the engaging nature of the short, there is a significant focus on the highly anticipated Genshin Impact anime, which is currently in production. The anime was initially announced in September 2022, but since then, there has been a notable lack of updates regarding its progress.
Fans’ concerns about the status of the anime are understandable, particularly given the high quality of animated shorts like “The Road Not Taken.” The excellence of this short has led many fans to imagine what the final product of the anime might look like. As a result, discussions about the anime have become predominant in the wake of the short’s release. Fans are expressing both concern and hope about the anime’s production, wondering when they might receive further news.
Genshin Impact Fans Torn Between Excitement for New Animated Short and Eager Anticipation for Announced Anime
On social media, the reactions are mixed. Many fans are showering the animated short with praise while simultaneously voicing their concerns about the anime. Some fans are solely focused on the animated short, appreciating its artistic merits without delving into the discussion about the anime. This division in focus is somewhat unfortunate for those eagerly awaiting updates on the anime, as they might miss out on the enjoyment of the new short.
One fan optimistically stated, “one day the Anime will become a thing~ (and when it does we see most of these animated short videos be part of it just bettered up prob).” Another fan expressed a more urgent sentiment, saying, “we need the genshin anime hoyoverse [3x broken heart emojis],” directly appealing to miHoYo, the parent company and publisher of Genshin Impact, also known internationally as HoyoVerse.
Despite these concerns, there are many fans who are dedicated to praising the animated short and commending miHoYo for their excellent work. Comments such as “Stand Proud miHoYo you have cooked again. This is PEAK FICTION” and “PEAK! oh my god Lumine is so GORGEOUS! [heart emoji]” showcase the high level of admiration and enthusiasm among the fanbase.
As of the writing of this article, there has been no additional update on the production of the Genshin Impact television anime. Fans remain hopeful that an update will come soon, especially as the two-year mark since the initial announcement approaches.
The animated short “The Road Not Taken” has successfully grabbed the Genshin Impact community with its stunning visuals and emotional depth. While it serves as a delightful piece of content for fans, it also reignites the fervor and anticipation for the forthcoming anime.
The short’s release during the version 4.7 special live stream has ensured that it not only garners attention for its artistic value but also contributes to the ongoing engagement and excitement surrounding Genshin Impact’s evolving universe.
