miHoYo, the powerhouse behind Genshin Impact and other gacha giants, has taken a firm stand against internal corruption. In an official statement posted to WeChat on February 6th, 2026, the company revealed that four former employees have been sentenced to prison following investigations into bribery schemes. The pronouncement details how the individuals exploited their authority to solicit bribes and commissions from partner companies, ultimately convicted of "accepting bribes as non-state personnel" under Chinese law.
The sentences vary but remain relatively short, reflecting the scale of the offenses:
- Unspecified - 1 year, 4 months
- Unspecified (2) - 1 year, 3 months each
- Unspecified - 6 months
All four were dismissed immediately upon discovery and permanently blacklisted from rehire at miHoYo. A fifth individual, a former leader in the Genshin Impact marketing department, faced separate action for abusing power to funnel benefits to his own company. miHoYo reported findings to authorities for further probe and added him to local anti-fraud blacklists, barring him from industry employment indefinitely.
The company also published a lengthy blacklist of implicated former partner firms involved in the schemes, underscoring its commitment to a "fair business environment." miHoYo reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on bribery and embezzlement, vowing continued vigilance to protect its intellectual properties and operations.
This isn't miHoYo's first brush with internal or external misconduct. Shortly after Genshin Impact's 2020 launch, the studio pursued legal action against cheat developers, resulting in jail time for several creators who distributed hacks threatening fair play. In high-profile cases, miHoYo's U.S. arm Cognosphere sued prominent leaker UBatcha and shut down their major Discord server over version 4.X spoilers. Similarly, in 2025, the Honkai: Star Rail team sought $150,000 in damages from a player who leaked unreleased 5-star character Castorice gameplay. These efforts demonstrate a pattern: swift, aggressive protection of assets, whether from insiders or outsiders.
Known globally as HoYoverse, miHoYo has built an empire on open-world gacha adventures. Genshin Impact, launched September 28, 2020, exploded into a cultural phenomenon, amassing billions in revenue and over 100 million downloads. Its success funded siblings like Honkai: Star Rail (2023) and Zenless Zone Zero (2024), all sharing polished combat, stunning visuals, and addictive progression. The studio pledged at least 10 more years of Genshin support in early 2025, with upcoming projects including Honkai: Nexus Anima and the mysterious Varsapura.
Recent months have been lit up with activity for the company. Honkai: Star Rail announced a Fortnite collaboration for February 2026, featuring Kafka and Blade skins in a crossover poised to be one of HoYoverse's largest yet. Genshin's Version 5.2 "Luna IV" update rolled out Lantern Rite festivities, a fan-favorite annual Liyue event with fireworks, mini-games, and emotional reunions. The Nod-Krai storyline continues unfolding in Natlan, building toward climactic reveals. Patch 5.3 looms later this month, with the next livestream on February 16th expected to unveil banners potentially starring returning favorites Skirk and Flins, alongside long-teased Varka.
This scandal arrives amid miHoYo's aggressive anti-fraud posture, which includes blacklisting leakers and pursuing civil suits. Insiders leaking via employees remain a vulnerability, but the company's proactive probes like the one exposing these signal robust internal controls. In China, where state media often spotlights corporate graft, such transparency bolsters miHoYo's reputation.
The sentences, while lenient by Western standards, align with non-state bribery penalties under PRC law, emphasizing restitution over extended incarceration. No fines or asset seizures were detailed publicly.
For players, the news is a footnote amid thriving titles. Genshin's 5.2 PS5/PS4 cross-progression, Star Rail's Penacony finale, and Zenless Zone Zero's Hollow Zero raids keep engagement high. miHoYo's iron fist ensures these successes endure, free from cheats or corruption shadows.
As HoYoverse eyes global dominance, the bribery bust reinforces its disciplined ethos. Investors and partners take note: miHoYo plays hardball internally, safeguarding the empire that redefined gacha gaming. With big reveals on deck and patches incoming, 2026 shapes as another banner year for the company.