I Asked Ashikai About Genshin Impact's Worldbuilding | Sevy Talks Episode 2 ft.

[@SevyPlays]

You can listen on Spotify too! open.spotify.com/show/6lhwzveJrDLxjmJy2ocWEd?si=ccc48999764f46d2

[@Xelluse]

Ashikai definitely deserves the Nobel Prize for Genshin Archeology.

[@newbie4789]

The thing that makes Genshin Lore theorists all great is the diversity they show. Ashikai's content focused a lot around taking certain parts of the lore and using real life references to speculate about the future. Chill with Aster has a more light content and has more of an exciting fan finding an interesting nitpick kinda vibe. "Cat with a blue hat" has great recap content that connects everything into a coherent story and an eye for detail and Easter eggs that you may miss. Teyvat Historian has grand lore sum ups and Super speculative theories based around it. Each lore content creator has their own playing field and you can watch all of them without feeling repetition.

[@erikboncoref.7020]

Certainly, you also forget IslandXD, who also makes really good lore content and throws interesting train of thought in each video, not caring if he is wrong in the end or not

[@kuyarence]

Don't forget MurderOfBirds too although he's more on detailed storytelling inspection & recap, lore reviewing, and predicting future stuff including theorizing. (He's mostly considered as the "Genshin Ghostwriter" because of his numerous predictions that became true)

[@sandrone930]

Also Wei with his sense of humor and combine genshin lore with funny stuff so we can understand genshin lore with a razor language 😂

[@llenora330]

Klementime is also great at recaping genshin lore

[@atriyakoller136]

@@sandrone930 Wei has some meme theories but they're funny haha

[@feelshowdy]

When she said Genshin is not an adventure game but instead an archeology game, something clicked in my head. Yes, precisely, that's it. I was trying to explain Genshin lore to a friend and we kept running into this problem where the information about characters like Venti or Zhongli, for example, is just scattered throughout years of events, quests, dialogue trees, items, and indirect mentions. Since they're archons, the distortions of history and limited mortal accounts also play into it. There's no way to straightfowardly experience just their individual stories from a singular perspective.

[@pizzajoke3561]

Archonology

[@CarlosAnglada]

This is EXACTLY what takes place during Zhongli's archon quests: there are folk tales, rumors, and theories that "embellish" the actual historical truth, making it nigh unrecognizable.

[@RenaissanceRockerBoy]

I think that’s why I, as a history enthusiast, really love Genshin. It really rewards trying to figure out the history and lore of the world. I spent a few hours reading the descriptions of artifacts and it was blowing my mind lmao. Obviously there’s a lot of bloated stuff but there’s some really cool lore stuff.

[@piereandreturner2818]

Yeah, she really nails it in this video. I mean, I like Genshin because of its worldbuilding and storytelling. But then, you have an analysis video that criticizes Genshin's worldbuilding and storytelling. Despite that being the reason I like Genshin, I just can't help but to agree with some of this critic video. When she mentioned archeological expeditions, it clicked in my mind. History and archeological expediton is Genshin's strong point, but understandably not everyone will like this type of game, and it can be quite tedious especially when they added a sense of realism to it.

[@manoelafvb]

My two favorite genshin youtubers working together in an HOUR LONG PODCAST? I'm blessed. Christmas came early

[@rue1533]

I KNOW RIGHT!!!

[@jonathanlam520]

I was about to say the same thing! Great vid!

[@CarlosAnglada]

Two absolute queens

[@megaleafblade27]

Amen

[@pajelehoocho2992]

Sevy got me into honkai and ashikai got me back into genshin, an iconic combo! Love both of y'all

[@mintsugas]

Honkai impact or star rail?

[@pajelehoocho2992]

@@mintsugas star rail

[@justotk4010]

As much she said she hate editing. I love the vibe it gives . Yanfei uncovering the secrets of Teyvat is just fun to watch .

[@vicca4671]

When Fontaine releases I hope she embodies both Yanfei and Charlotte, it'd be really amazing.

[@amandaslough125]

@@vicca4671 I hope she's spot on about that Red Herring. Especially with this podcast releasing on Yanfei's birthday and Yanfei drops so many potential world building and quest foreshadowing.

[@ClubSandwiches]

Ashikai's lore improvement system is interesting cause I feel like it's basically what they did with HSR's light cones.

[@th.khoi2003]

this podcast is such a genius idea. this is soooo fresh amongst all the common boring genshin's contents.

[@ghostwithsliceoftoast]

It’d be cool if you invited people like Zyox and Zajef. Hearing a serious conversation between you and Zajef would really interwsting

[@emileeeeeee]

YES. ZY0XX. ONE OF THE GENSHINERS EVER. GET HIM UP HERE YALL. 😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dominic2640]

Hi Sevy and Ashikai! This podcast was very enjoyable while I was doing office work. Felt very comforting and casual. Another great episode.

[@SevyPlays]

Glad you enjoyed ❤️

[@WhaleMilk]

47:10 "The only way to experience a movie is to have each frame followed by the next frame. The way to experience a book is to keep turning pages. You consume the narrative by being pulled forward through it... if a book is dense, your primary option for unpacking it is to, upon finishing it, reread it and see if you notice more this time. You can't spend more time in the book because the only way to be in its world is to be progressing towards the end of the book. [In video games], you have the freedom to spend three, five, ten hours pouring over the details... What games can do that books, movies, and dreams can't is allow you to linger." -Innuendo Studios, from his video *Story Beats: Dear Esther* I find video games as storytelling mediums endlessly fascinating because of this point, the fact that video games allow for a freedom to experience a story like literally nothing else out there, and the things that can be done with it. Even Genshin plays with this in the story telling, where, in most cases, you can just speed through the game and not miss anything, but if you take the time to explore and to linger, you'll find environmental story telling or details that expound and elaborate on the current goings on.

[@theArkinagi]

Sevy in her collab Era, keep 'em coming!

[@fardareismai4495]

The archaeology simile is really fitting! The story of Genshin is really cool, but the environmental lore that you can dig up makes it so much more flavourful

[@Hiyu-ws4ql]

Origins and odyssey

[@lululumpia]

that moment when you, a queen, come across another queen and discuss how best to maximize your joint slay AAAAHHHHHHH

[@GuyWithAnAmazingHat]

As someone who's deep into lore of all games I play, Hoyoverse has the best lore and world building by far, Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Elder Scrolls etc. all pale in comparison to the scope that Hoyoverse explores. This is because Hoyoverse doesn't just stop at lore, which a lot of lore theorists also stop at, Hoyoverse lore also has deep philosophical, social, psychological themes that are actually meaningful and extensive. Genshin is about dreams, Honkai 3rd is about hope, Star Rail is about destiny, aspects of life that we struggle for and against, the facets of life that create civilisation.

[@PropertyofRaidenMei]

Perfect timing for me! I’ve been recapping all the lore since we’re about to enter Fontaine! Keep up the great podcasts!

[@SevyPlays]

Thank you!

[@pidgeongguk8818]

My two fave creators!!!! I was looking for a podcast to listen to while doing housework, so this release was perfect timing ☺

[@memathethree]

This is the kind of duo I've been waiting for !!

[@ianfiqri]

Two of the most Powerful women in the Genshin community in one, hour long, podcast!? What a time to be alive 😍

[@jwinterspring]

The first time I saw/read the Thundering Fury lore and Ruu's story in the island with the fog. My mind was so blown! One of the best stories in Genshin for me.

[@newbie4789]

When I watch Ashikai's videos, I always think "oh, how cool genshin lore is and this is a really enjoyable video" This podcast made me actually go "Oh damn, Ashikai super duper smart"

[@Indian_gae_boii]

i really started getting into lore ever since i started exploring sumeru and doing the long side quests and disocvering lore channels like ashikai, i completly fell in love with the land of sumeru and the lore of genshin and wanted to learn more about it, i read EVERYTHING that pertains to sumeru and celestia. books, weapons, artifacts, stone slates and obelisks etc. i know evrything about sumeru from rukhdevta to gurabad to even the dessert city states lore like tullaytullah, saleh, the khaganate or about makhairah and farmaraz. jeht and liloupar is also my fav npc before that, although i was aware of certain things and concepts, i never really went out of my way to learn about something or read anything, i didnt even know about the book of sun and moon before ashikai mentioned it in her videos lmao

[@softmongreal]

My favorite combo, Sevy for character guides and Ashikai for GI lore content. I appreciate the topics that you guys discussed throughout this episode. Hopefully someday in the future you guys can collab again 🥹💞

[@mckevica]

A collab I never knew I wanted and now realize I desperately needed

[@Laur_Stefan]

Savy and ashikai are two of my most loved Genshin content creators and im soo happy this colab exists

[@ech_syn]

I'm really into these podcasts. After release of each region I watch all of Ashikai's recap videos to remember everything again

[@virenstein1152]

This has gotten me into actually doing some reading into the lore more, in particular K'hanriah. I guess im gonna have to hunt down all the documents and notes scattered around about the place to see if i can guess how all this may end or go when we get there. Thanks Sevy and Ashikai for this podcast and introducing the intricate details hoyoverse has put into their games.

[@sirbercouligaming1956]

These two are my favorite Genshin KZbinrs. I appreciate that both of them go so far out of their ways to make us Genshin players feel more connected to the lore and characters. Thanks @Sevyplays and @Ashikai. I will continue to watch every single video you two make. Keep up the good work! Love the podcast as well @sevyplays!

[@demonsofrazg]

i love ashikai, her content and lore breakdowns are so fascinating to watch

[@davidsabillon5182]

Many say the combat is the main appeal of GI. For me it's the world building.

[@bmo3778]

having the game open-world makes me able to visualize the lore better than contained, level-based model like Honkai Impact (I am aware that HI3 has many game modes and one of them is nearly open-world)

[@davidsabillon5182]

@@bmo3778 I completely agree. It "feels" like the world is alive which makes the world building even easier to get lost in. That's what I want. I want to momentarily forget I'm playing a video game.

[@UnlimitedMichi]

If I'm not mistaken the developers said that Genshin focuses more on the more, that's the forte. The combat is just a side dish.

[@davidsabillon5182]

@@st0281zr what I really want is a true MMO from these devs. That would be epic.

[@dokidokidango1896]

Amazing talk, love your work Sevy! Can't wait to see how Fontaine's twists and turns according to Ashikai's predictions/theories will shock and impress us

[@Hy-BridAbroad]

Wow, this was fantastic. I'm really excited for this series and hope it gets a lot of attention. Can't wait for Episode 3 with Yoimiya's VA, Jenny!

[@SevyPlays]

Thank you! ❤️

[@eliotanderson6554]

​@@SevyPlays One thing I would like to mention is I have had comment disagreement with ashoka on this but it's real Genshin does cultural digestion to indian culture in sumeru and overall Where its indic influence is being mixed in sumeru and rest of places to ensure it lies underneath The amount of indic influence in east asia is huge and I do see those in the entire game that's okay becuase it's part part of east asia as well but I do see a lot of companies and all trying to digest indic things and show it as their invention or mix it with res tof the cultures Sumeru was a mix of indic egyptian and middle astern that wasn't really well received and it was deliberately done sitting here in asia I do understand a lot how things do work but nobody speaks up that's the truth

[@newbie4789]

Now that's a new Collab... There are many questions I want to ask Ashikai and someone asking her questions is such great content. AND we have Sevy asking!? That's COOL

[@arber7240]

Thank you so much for bringing ashikai on this episode! Such a great episode :D

[@otakuwhat_]

I enjoy both your content so seeing this was a treat

[@iSpotJosh]

9:20 - THIS is exactly the reason Ashikai’s content resonates so much for me. I started playing very shortly before Sumeru’s release; I was struck immediately by the naming conventions (for everything) and how they linked to Hindu / Yogic philosophy. It became very apparent to me that HoYo had planned out the game lore from the very beginning & Ashikai has an incredible way of parsing all the little lore nuggets out :)

[@Artemis1385]

Ashikai creates the best Lore content in thr community This podcast was amazing!!

[@SunShadow878]

The most irritating thing about the weapon/artifact lore is not that it's that taxing to read, but that even the process of collecting them makes you spend your resin. You have to spend a limited resource, relying on RNG to get certain pieces - just for a bit of information - but then you don't even need that set! You could have spent your resources on bosses and things you actually need to make your characters stronger! That makes it a lot easier for people to miss lore - maybe they just don't have a particular character, so they never went to the domain with artifacts for them, so they have no idea what important stories they've missed. That was never a problem in games like Dark Souls. Which is why their lore is so much more open and approachable.

[@taavah]

Eh. How do you reconcile that with the fact that there has been huge lore drops with limited time events? I have never heard of anyone farming just to get the lore from artifacts or weapons. That just feels a bit pedantic to complain about. Fortunately, while it isn't the solution per se to your concerns, we have brilliant folks like Ashikai who not only collect all this lore and make it easily digestible but also draws real world influences.

[@SunShadow878]

@@taavah However it feels to you, it is simply a matter of fact that you cannot deny. If you feel like that sounds like a complaint, maybe the problem does exist. Saying "If you want to find in-game lore, just close the game and go watch a video, it's not a big deal" would be questionable and dangerously close to guilt-tripping. Is that an in-game lore to you anymore even? When I'm playing an open world RPG and want to hunt lore, I want to do so in-game. I've downloaded the game so I can play it, you see. If I can't do that, that's simply bad videogame design. You can reconcile the limited events by adding them as DLC packages. Add them as special quests that you can unlock. This solves both the memory issue and that hoyo can still make some money, even if the event is over. Remove the limited rewards like 4* weapons and put them in the monthly shop. This resolves the issue efficiently.

[@mijmijrm]

Genshin style video games set in a world that parallels a period in our world's history would be a great way to learn history. Or rather, a particular perspective on the history of that period.

[@faraday944]

Honestly, the worldbuilding is what keeps me hooked on this game. I started in 1.3 and I remember my ex scoffing at me reading all the artifact descriptions but like, how could I not?? It's been so rewarding to stick with, and I've learned so much - not just from watching Ashi's videos, but from doing my own research as well. Diving into some aspect of the game and learning about it and figuring out some theories (some of which are flat out wrong but hey, that's half the fun) is a huge appeal to me. The archaeology analogy is so apt. It's also so nice to see two of my favourite Genshin creators do a video like this together, this is such a fresh idea. I appreciate you both so much ❤️

[@AdAstraAbyssosque]

Now this is an insane collab, loved every second of it!

[@hezjz5231]

my current idea for the burning irminsul tree is that it references how the greater lord was deleted. given the greater lord was the avatar and burning things has some ties to cleansing things it would make sense in my mind.

[@epicazeroth]

Yesss my two fav Genshin KZbinrs. Another great lore YTer is Chill with Aster, she's also Filipina.

[@DimitriKatsuro]

Awesome collab. Ashi is a great content creator and a very nice person, im glad you chose her for your first collaboration. Next episode also looks promising, im very glad you started to do this.

[@henoji777]

55:00 That is a fantastic suggestion on how to clue people into the extensive sub-stories Genshin has. Great questions and an overall solid ep!

[@harunomasu5956]

I have always said this to my friends, Mihoyo is selling their characters like an idol. They're in one package: attractive looks, likeable personality (except for some), have flaws but still endearing, and also very idol-ish. This is also what attracted people to actually plays Genshin. It's incredible to know that people take a look at a picture of Zhongli for example, and got interested to actually try the game and then got hooked. Genshin's story is something that I could relate to the most, especially Liyue's based story. As a Chinese myself, I recognize some modification of the lores presented during Liyue, and Shenhe's story is really really familiar to me, as it's a story that I heard in the past during my childhood, though of course it's retold with some modification. Another example is Baizhu. Due to the name of Changsheng, I kinda recognize him as part of the Chinese old folklore of white snake legend, and it's actually interesting to read those lores and got it all twisted and changed to fit the game's narration. I agree in everything that Ashikai said. That's why Ashikai is still my most fave content creator when it comes to lore. Thank you Sevy, for calling Ashikai as the guest for this podcast!

[@zimagzeravla]

Mihoyo's CEO actually stated that their aim was to market idols to lonely otaku back when they had just released GGZ quite a few years back.

[@robertsanssouci2093]

Should we expect to see a version of the Three Musketeers in Fontaine? That’s my guess

[@yukiowatanabe9232]

I love Ashikai for her lore and mad cientist theories videos! And I love Sevy for her bringing these kind of videos like a podcast with a variety of Genshin content creators!

[@chuuyasan28]

Awesome collab! I'm super fascinated by genshin lore ever since scara's comment on the fake sky. It's true that most of the lore is only accessible through reading artifacts and books and other documents in-game, but I won't lie, it's migraine-inducing for me to go through. So I agree with the suggestion to visualize the info instead of having walls of text. I hope the devs can improve on this point in the future. Also, wishful thinking, I DO love reading (just not digitally) and it would be really cool if they sold physical books of the ones in-game, merge them into an anthology or something. pretty please winkwink hoyo

[@spiderninja_1]

I love this collab! Both you and Ashikai do a great job of making your respective contents easier to understand for us meta/lore fans, and seeing you two in a single podcast made my day!!!

[@Allen_Gil]

I love seeing my favorite Genshin content creators collab and make amazing vids and insightful discussions. More of these please! 😍

[@HiImYancy]

Ashikai’s extremely well spoken. She just never misses.

[@Boomdizzle99]

Both of you are the TOP creators in your category. Cream of the crop. Best Lore creator Ashi and Beat Guide Maker Sevy IN MY OPINION. Love ya'll!!!! The consistency, the effort and the actual content itself is always top notch. I think what keeps genshin strong as well no matter how good or mediocre the genshin content IS its creators. Its what makes the game more digestible and fun!!!

[@zailyz]

Braxophone or Zyox or voice actor collab soon? Also happy to see that Honkai Impact was mentioned. Keep this up! I really enjoy it

[@sylvarogre5469]

Such a good conversation. I look forward to more. Thank you, Sevy and Ashikai.

[@levithanprimal2410]

Crossover I did not expect but certainly needed. Life is good!

[@waynehay79]

The pics for artifact stories is an awesome idea

[@r0mani]

Okay so THIS has to be the collab of the century!!!

[@anshnanavati]

Loving this podcast and so excited to listen to the talk with Jenny. This has been a breath of fresh air; Genshin youtube was getting kind of stale. Keep it up Sevy!

[@tarunraina3247]

Finally got the time to hop onto the podcast. I was soo excited when u revealed on Twitter that its Ashikai. Im halfway into the podcast rn and its such a good listen. Its interesting funny chaotic and yeah quite refreshing rereading our highschool XD. But yeah. Podcasts took off. YAYYY

[@brennanwn]

The world always has appealed to me and Ashikai is one of the reasons 😮😮

[@Sacration]

Same

[@renzgilatienza4068]

Ashikai and Sevy, two sides of the Tectone coin. One is promoted because of impressive lore content and another gets bashed by Tectone's community because of information regarding Yoimiya that was addressed

[@KaizuoSilva]

this colab was exciting to see yall nerd out, This stuff is good fun to litsen/watch.

[@Naman-cw7mj]

i can't believe I was able to finish this video without skipping.... ..!!!! Oh my goodness ... So interesting duo

[@rubykeys8418]

I enjoy these podcasts because you dive in interesting contents that are in the community but not in the mainstream such as lore and including the community and the content creators’ perspective. I am very excited for the next podcast and seeing the voice actors’ perspective not just on Genshin but how they approach their work in anime, ads, and video games.

[@lazyanole]

Two of my favorite youtubers! Loved this episode Sevy! Thank you.

[@magiclobster4098]

You two are some of my fave content creators right now, im so happy you collabed, and im looking forward to both more podcast episodes with different people and more theory videos from Ashikai too ^^

[@luz0103]

loved this, i think the comment about genshin's lore being like archaeology is so true. whenever I'm trying remember a concept about the lore I end up the wiki deep diving by clicking link after link, jumping from in game book to weapon description to artifact description lol. also if ashikai actually published a game i'd be down to play it, sounds like it would have some interesting storytelling.

[@ironwoodkid9577]

It's so nice to listen to Ashikai's thought process when making theory videos, or just listen to her talk about genshin outside of the scripted videos she makes

[@Zarozian]

What an incredible interview! It's always great to hear from Ashikai no matter what shape or form!

[@Ocelotfurry]

Ashikai is my history teacher now she just connect beautifully history with genshin lore

[@gerardopineda3501]

Wow! I was so exited for this podcast since I hear of it in the previous one. Thank you so much for this collaboration. I really love the content of both of you. 👏

[@froeloe]

Sevy, have you personally met Chill with Aster? She also lives in the Philippines. I would love to see/hear 2 Filipinos do collab regarding genshin. 🇵🇭❤️🤍💙💛

[@SevyPlays]

We hung out at CONQuest! And already in the works ;)

[@froeloe]

@@SevyPlays yessss! 👍

[@Glacorite]

21:20 I'm instantly reminded of watching Dorkly's videos featuring The Oregon Trail game

[@demonic_banshee]

Waaaaah, my two favorite CCs on Genshin in the same podcast. Wheeeee! This was so fun to listen to!!

[@jewel00717]

I also watch Ashikai! omg this was so interesting Sevy! Excited for your future collabs!

[@robertsanssouci2093]

Wasn’t Fishel’s sky the one that was shattered? Like a someone hammered a snow globe

[@vicca4671]

Sevy, please try to eventually interview (Chill with) Aster and CatWithABlueHat, and HAVE THEM ALL TOGETHER SOMEDAY! WE NEED A LORE SHOWDOWN!

[@Mafuyu24542]

Nothing beats seeing two fave KZbinrs collaborating

[@sijianzhou1856]

thank you guys for bringing us such a rich conversation

[@potakettlefight]

Ooooh this interview was so Goooood! Not only because I got to know more about one of my favorite lore theorists, but actually enjoy 2 people with a different approach to the game having a rich conversation 🤩 Thank you for this Sevy (this podcast format is great) and thank you for your F2P spyral abyss guides: they gave me confidence to build my teams 😃

[@jamesreese4170]

So true about the Oregon trail. All those wretched river crossings. Always lost a cow or a kid.

[@destiny2390]

I always listen to ashikai live streams to calm me down , her voice is soo soothing 💗😊

[@clairvoyarts5072]

i thoroughly enjoyed this conversation! this kind of format suits you very well (and you are already making such great guides)! praying for you to have a collab with cyno's va. 🙏

[@mauriciogonzalez696]

Best crossover ever! Loved this episode!! Def looking forward for more

[@YourCeeCeeDuelist]

These two are just amazing. No joke, I enjoy Ashikai's video so much that I've binged them in one setting, and of course Sevy has always been amazing as well. This video has made my day

[@toli7176]

ashikai is a real one, without her i wouldnt have gotten into genshin lore as much as i have

[@pacajoo5347]

A very fun, interesting and soothing listen! Appreciate the podcast, Sevy!

[@sirram_e]

Thanks sevyplays for introducing me to such a good genshin lore utuber.

[@amphillips2566]

This was very interesting, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Sevy for introducing me to Ashikai. Looking forward to your next episode.

[@finebook281]

Two of my favorite Genshin creators!

[@Executive14]

Ashikai?! This is PEAK CONTENT RIGHT HERE

[@Lukz243]

Very excited for this episode

[@Sacration]

Oh boy that video was so good! I didnt even released an hour went by. Thanks for that awesome moment

[@brettpatching]

Excellent interview!! You ask good questions Sevy.

[@arvinolivarez8471]

I'm very hyped up because Sevy invites my most followed Genshin content creators... Starting with Braxophone and now Aishikai... I'm looking forward for more videos with them... I also was looking forward to IwinToLoose and Gatcha Gamer if possible... But of course when it comes to Genshin Guides and reactions Sevy comes first to my mind... More lore discussions with Aishikai... Thanks so much for this content..

[@genznnGaming]

Amazing epsiode, i loved the banter between both of you as well as the well organised pace of the episode. Great work. Looking forward to more

[@newbie4789]

Ashikai mentioning Aster was such a cute thing for me

[@newbie4789]

I love how you don't need to be an Archeologist to enjoy Genshin. You can be an Adventurer, fighter, Story enjoyer...