【Feature】 New entry in the Honkai series, "Honkai: Star Rail," generating buzz!【Bungei Honkai September 2023 Issue】

Chinese game development company miHoYo, known for impactful games like "Genshin Impact" and "Honkai 3rd," announced a new brand name "HoYoverse" in February this year. HoYoverse integrates miHoYo's entertainment content like games and anime into a virtual world. The highlight is their latest installment in the Honkai series, "Honkai: Star Rail."

"Honkai: Star Rail," a space fantasy RPG, was released in April for PC and mobile (iOS/Android). Players become galactic explorers, journeying through various stars. The turn-based command battle system introduces captivating, diverse characters, allowing for various team compositions. A PS5/PS4 version is also planned for release.

While "Honkai: Star Rail" shares a common universe with "Genshin Impact" and "Honkai 3rd," each has its own independent storyline. The Honkai series includes miHoYo's first game, the 2D scrolling game "FlyMe2theMoon," and the 2D side-scrolling shooting game "Honkai Gakuen," set in a zombie-infested school.

miHoYo aims to provide immersive virtual world experiences through games, anime, and other entertainment. Achieving this requires advanced technology and creativity. miHoYo employs its in-house engine and AI technology to achieve stunning graphics, music, physics, and facial expressions.

However, miHoYo's success wasn't overnight. Founded in 2009 by Li Hengda and other students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, they gradually gained user support by creating games they loved. Li Hengda, often called the "nerdy and ecchi" CEO, is a respected figure. He founded a successful anime production company in less than a year and believes in a results-oriented philosophy.

Formerly the president of miHoYo's Japanese subsidiary, Li Hengda left in 2017 to establish Yostar, a company localizing foreign games for the Japanese market. Yostar operates titles like "Azur Lane" and "Arknights." The connection between Yostar and miHoYo is maintained through Li Hengda.

The Honkai series is miHoYo's flagship, a part of HoYoverse. "Honkai: Star Rail" in particular, brimming with cutting-edge technology and creativity, garners high praise from numerous fans.