{{Short description|Chinese video game franchise}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox video game series | title = Honkai | image = | caption = | creator = {{ubl|David Jiang|Cai Haoyu|CiCi (Zhang Qinghua)}} | writer = Ling Yi (''Guns Girl Z'')<br>Manager Zhou (''Guns Girl Z'')<br>Egg (''Guns Girl Z'')<br>Ai Er (''Guns Girl Z'')<br>Shaoji (''Honkai Impact 3rd'' and ''Honkai: Star Rail'')<ref>{{Citation |author=Honkai: Star Rail |title=Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.0 "If One Dreams At Midnight" Special Program |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHwBqhMlo3I |date=2024-01-26 |website=YouTube |access-date=2024-01-27 |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127004912/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHwBqhMlo3I |url-status=live }}</ref><br>Fanchuan (''Honkai Impact 3rd'' and ''Honkai: Star Rail'') | composer = HOYO-MiX | developer = miHoYo | publisher = {{Video game release|CHN|miHoYo|WW|HoYoverse}} | genre = Role-playing | platforms = {{ubl|iOS|Android|PC|PlayStation 4|PlayStation 5}} | first release version = ''FlyMe2theMoon'' | first release date = 28 September 2011 | latest release version = ''Honkai: Star Rail'' | latest release date = 26 April 2023 }}
'''''Honkai''''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ɔː|n|ˌ|k|ai}}, {{Lang-zh|c=崩坏|p=Bēnghuài|l=Collapse, Deteriorate}}) is a video game series and media franchise developed by miHoYo, published by miHoYo in mainland China and worldwide by Cognosphere (trading as HoYoverse). Initially led by Cai Haoyu, David Jiang took over as the series producer as of present.<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 1">{{cite interview |author1=David |author2=近藤季洋 |interviewer=TAITAI |script-title=ja:ターン制RPGに未来はあるのか？──JRPGを徹底的に研究した『崩壊：スターレイル』プロデューサーと、日本ファルコム近藤社長が語りあう「RPGの可能性」 |url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/230403a |accessdate=2023-05-21 |work={{lang|ja|電ファミニコゲーマー}} |date=2023-04-03 |language=ja |archive-date=2023-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810171350/https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/230403a |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="最后留下了故事">{{Cite web|author=崩坏3第一偶像爱酱|title=《崩坏3》游戏纪录片——「最后留下了故事」|url=https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1554y1u7J8/|access-date=2023-03-24|website=www.bilibili.com|archive-date=2023-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324140305/https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1554y1u7J8/}}</ref><ref name="對談推文">{{Cite tweet |author=崩壊：スターレイル |user=houkaistarrail |number=1639243126887030784 |title=【プロデューサー対談 近日公開！】 『崩壊：スターレイル』プロデューサー David Jiang とあの名作 RPG のプロデューサーによる対談が実現！ ゲーム開発の裏話と想いを開拓者の皆さまにシェアします！お楽しみに！|date=2023-03-24}}</ref>
The series originates with ''FlyMe2theMoon'', a paid mobile game for iOS released in 2011,<ref name="news4399"/> which was developed by the five-person "miHoYo studio" startup team.{{efn|The "miHoYo studio" startup team consisted of Cai Haoyu, Liu Wei, Luo Yuhao, Jin Zhicheng, and Zhang Qinghua.<ref name="gameFM2M">{{Cite video game|title=FlyMe2theMoon|date=2011-09-28|developer=miHoYo studio|publisher=miHoYo studio|platform=iOS}}</ref><ref name="HonkaiEVA">{{Cite web|title=[Honkai Impact 3rd x Neon Genesis Evangelion] Interview [Pursuit of Dreams]| website=YouTube | date=22 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMcIv6IO98A|accessdate=2022-09-21|archive-date=2022-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124436/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMcIv6IO98A}}</ref><ref name="MHYSkye">{{Cite web |title=上海二次元往事5 米哈游/斯凯和《崩坏学园》、《原神》 |url=https://new.qq.com/omn/20210325/20210325A05YNY00.html |website=Tencent News |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802112805/https://new.qq.com/omn/20210325/20210325A05YNY00.html }}</ref> Jin Zhicheng left "miHoYo studio" afterward, before the founding of miHoYo as a company.}} The first installment of the ''Honkai'' series was ''Zombiegal Kawaii'' released in 2012. The series has seen several more games since, with the most recent main entry being 2023's ''Honkai: Star Rail''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=米哈游新作《崩坏：星穹铁道》登陆苹果 App Store：预计 4 月 26 日推出|url=https://www.ithome.com/0/672/433.htm|website=GamerSky|access-date=2023-02-10|archive-date=2023-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210000000/https://www.ithome.com/0/672/433.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ''Honkai'' series is set in a universe called the "Imaginary Tree" and follows the adventures of characters such as Kiana, Mei, and Bronya.<ref name="gamersky">{{Cite web|title=崩坏3发展历史 崩坏的由来及米哈游的发展介绍_三代目崩坏3rd |url=https://wap.gamersky.com/sygl/Content-907677_14.html|access-date=2023-03-06|website=GamerSky |archive-date=2022-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124437/https://wap.gamersky.com/sygl/Content-907677_14.html}}</ref><ref name="news4399">{{Cite web|title=米哈游成长史——《崩坏》系列回顾 |url=https://news.4399.com/gonglue/acg/m/949935.html|access-date=2023-03-06|website=4399|archive-date=2023-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306112106/https://news.4399.com/gonglue/acg/m/949935.html}}</ref> While the series features recurring characters such as Kiana, each installment has different backgrounds and character settings and can be considered as stories that take place in different worlds in the same universe without absolute connectivity. The series primarily revolves around the theme of "rebellion against the end and saving the world" and features "Honkai" disasters as the core setting.<ref name="news4399"/><ref name="gamersky"/>
==Common elements== ===Plot and themes=== The "Honkai," a term coined within the ''Honkai'' series, is the core concept and foundation of the ''Honkai'' universe. It is an interdimensional alien force with a certain level of intelligence and various emanations whose goal is to assimilate developed civilizations through any means. The Honkai can be spread as energy, through beasts and humans, causing them various symptoms, and can also trigger viruses, natural disasters, world wars, or any other form of damage to civilisation. The highest manifestation of the Honkai is a "Herrscher," which are emanations of the Honkai with powerful specialized abilities and will. Whenever civilization arises, the Honkai will appear, and the strength of the Honkai is always proportional to the degree of human civilisation in that region.<ref>{{Cite book|title=崩壞 3rd ビジュアルファンブック|last=ファミ通 App 編集部|publisher=KADOKAWA|year=2018|isbn= 978-4047333406}}</ref> Worlds devoured by the Honkai will fall from the Imaginary Tree and enter the Sea of Quanta, becoming "bubble universes" that gradually disappear. The English term "Honkai" is a coined word that specifically refers to the "Honkai" disaster, which intentionally avoids using Hepburn (''Hōkai'') or kana spelling (''Houkai'') of the Japanese word {{lang|ja|崩壊}} due to proprietary naming considerations.<ref name="gamersky"/>
In order to connect multiple ''Honkai'' games to build one "Honkai Universe," the "Imaginary Tree" and "Sea of Quanta" are brought up by ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' as the multiple universe settings in the ''Honkai'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahbegovic |first=Alan |date=2022-06-14 |title=Fact Check: Is Genshin Impact in the same universe as Honkai Impact 3rd? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/fact-check-is-genshin-impact-universe-honkai-impact-3rd |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Sportskeeda |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105022930/https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/fact-check-is-genshin-impact-universe-honkai-impact-3rd |url-status=live }}</ref> The maximum scale of the ''Honkai'' universe is the Sea of Quanta, in which the Imaginary Tree is located and multiple worlds are born. The worlds on the Imaginary Tree are stable and follow the rules of history and time, developing in chronological order, with a linear structure of history. On the other hand, the Sea of Quanta can form "bubble universes" during natural fluctuations, which are unstable and lack complete history, only having fragments of time periods in specific regions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=崩坏3 活动剧情丨世界泡设定详解_崩坏3_17173.com中国游戏门户站|url=http://news.17173.com/z/bh3/content/04032021/201953685.shtml|access-date=2023-03-13|website=news.17173.com|archive-date=2023-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313110225/http://news.17173.com/z/bh3/content/04032021/201953685.shtml}}</ref> In this multiverse, the Imaginary Tree and the Sea of Quanta have a long-standing rivalry. The Imaginary Tree seeks to absorb the Sea, while the Sea seeks to drown the Tree. To facilitate this cycle, worlds are like leaves growing on the Tree, and when they fail to persist, they fall from the Tree into the Sea and become fragmented versions of themselves, known as bubble universes, some of which have more stability than others. This multiple universe setting is followed in all the ''Honkai'' series games. ''Genshin Impact'' is also often considered as one of the parallel worlds on the Imaginary Tree and shares the same universe as the ''Honkai'' series.<ref name="genshin-multiverse" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=剧情解读丨天理即崩坏？原神与崩坏似同一世界观！_腾讯新闻|url=https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20210422a0eo5g00|access-date=2023-03-13|website=new.qq.com|archive-date=2023-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313110220/https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20210422a0eo5g00}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=《原神》故事背景世界观分析 竟然是米哈游宇宙_原神_17173.com中国游戏门户站|url=http://news.17173.com/z/ys/content/03212020/170812897.shtml|access-date=2023-03-13|website=news.17173.com|archive-date=2023-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313110224/http://news.17173.com/z/ys/content/03212020/170812897.shtml}}</ref> Besides ''Genshin Impact'', ''Tears of Themis's'' universe is also hinted to be connected via Imaginary Tree.{{fact|date=December 2025}}
===Characters=== Kiana Kaslana, who first appeared in ''FlyMe2theMoon'', is the first and foremost character designed by miHoYo and the protagonist of multiple works in the ''Honkai'' series. Mei and Bronya, who first appeared in ''Zombiegal Kawaii'', formed the trio protagonists with Kiana and are the core characters of the ''Honkai'' series.<ref name="news4399"/> The plot of ''Guns Girl Z'' continues the story of ''Zombiegal Kawaii'',<ref>{{cite web |title=《崩坏学园2》 背后的故事 |url=http://games.sina.cn/cyfw/2015-02-17/detail-iavxeafs1199235.d.html |website=新浪游戏 |access-date=2023-04-28 |archive-date=2023-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430230357/https://games.sina.cn/cyfw/2015-02-17/detail-iavxeafs1199235.d.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=《崩坏学园2》 ：少女们超越「命运」的决意之歌 |url=https://www.benghuai.com/ |website=崩坏学园2 |access-date=2023-04-28 |archive-date=2022-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611092106/https://www.benghuai.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and after the conclusion of the "Retrace" arc, the new chapters "Inheritance" and "Rebirth" begin to use a parallel world setting to tell new stories with existing characters. ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' continues the approach of ''Guns Girl Z'' by introducing the main characters of the previous game with new personalities and designs.<ref>{{cite web |title=崩坏3相同的人不同的事，相比崩坏2的剧情，崩坏3的人设改动！ |url=https://k.sina.cn/article_6434040737_17f7faba100100fc1o.html |website=Sina News |date=8 December 2018 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044238/https://k.sina.cn/article_6434040737_17f7faba100100fc1o.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=7年过去了，《崩坏学园2》仍未关服，并变成了米哈游的良心大作 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/GMQTUD1905350PAE.html |website=www.163.com |date=21 October 2021 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044235/https://www.163.com/dy/article/GMQTUD1905350PAE.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Honkai: Star Rail'' also follows this tradition and features well-known characters from the ''Honkai'' series, such as Bronya, Himeko, and Welt Yang.<ref>{{cite web |title=Is Honkai Star Rail a sequel to Honkai Impact 3rd? {{!}} ONE Esports |url=https://www.oneesports.gg/gaming/honkai-star-rail-honkai-impact-3rd-sequel/ |website=www.oneesports.gg |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044234/https://www.oneesports.gg/gaming/honkai-star-rail-honkai-impact-3rd-sequel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Julia |title=Your biggest Honkai: Star Rail questions, answered |url=https://www.polygon.com/honkai-star-rail-guides/23691617/strongest-characters-genshin-impact-similarities |website=Polygon |date=25 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044232/https://www.polygon.com/honkai-star-rail-guides/23691617/strongest-characters-genshin-impact-similarities |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Honkai Star Rail explained, including gameplay, gacha, and open world details |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/honkai-star-rail-explained-gameplay-gacha-open-world-9321 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en-gb |date=8 March 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044232/https://www.eurogamer.net/honkai-star-rail-explained-gameplay-gacha-open-world-9321 |url-status=live }}</ref>
While every game in the ''Honkai'' series is considered a "spiritual sequel" of its predecessor, many share similar characters within the series. The practice of miHoYo adopting the character designs but endowing them with entirely new personalities and character settings is often referred to as "expy" ''(unofficial term)'' ({{langx|ja|{{linktext|同位体}}}}, "isotope"). In an interview with ''Den Fami Nico Gamer'', the writing team explains that the concept of "expy" (alternative term: variant{{efn|同位体 ({{langx|zh|异时空同位体}}; {{langx|ja|異時間同位体}}) is a term used within the Chinese anime fandom to refer to the same character from parallel timelines.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moegirlpedia's 同位体 article |url=https://zh.moegirl.org.cn/zh-hans/%E5%BC%82%E6%97%B6%E7%A9%BA%E5%90%8C%E4%BD%8D%E4%BD%93}}</ref> It can also be used synonymously with the word 'expy' within the English fandom. '异时空同位体' originated from the Light Novel Haruhi Suzumiya. Officially, the term has been translated as 'Time-Divergent Variant'<ref>{{cite web|title=Anime transcript, Season 1, Episode 4|url=https://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/viewtopic.php?t=77823|access-date=17 April 2025|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429191837/https://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/viewtopic.php?t=77823|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the anime and 'Differential Temporal Variant'<ref>{{cite web|title=Haruhi Suzumiya volume 4|url=https://sos-brigade-serene.weebly.com/uploads/8/7/6/7/8767436/suzumiya_haruhi_volume_04_-_the_disappearance_of_suzumiya_haruhi.pdf}}</ref> in the Light Novel.}}) is the most effective way to demonstrate connections within the series. Through this technique, fans can observe how a single character can explore different possibilities across parallel worlds while each work maintains its own independent identity.<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 3">{{Cite news |script-title=ja:「崩壊」シリーズは、なぜ人間の可能性を信じるのか？「崩壊」シリーズのシナリオ制作陣に聞く、超絶規模の「人間讃歌」と、「世界の美しさ」を信じ続ける物語の描き方 |url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/241128h |work=Den Fami Nico Gamer |date=2024-11-28 |language=ja |author=ジスマロック |editor=実存|access-date=2024-11-29}}</ref> ''Genshin Impact'', another game developed by miHoYo, also heavily borrows the character designs of the ''Honkai'' series,<ref name="GameRant">{{cite web |last1=Krdzic |first1=Hajrudin |title=Genshin Impact Concept Combines Characters With Honkai Impact Haircuts |url=https://gamerant.com/genshin-impact-characters-honkai-impact-haircuts/ |website=Game Rant |language=en |date=6 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044234/https://gamerant.com/genshin-impact-characters-honkai-impact-haircuts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and is thus considered by fans to be a spin-off of the ''Honkai'' series. This was confirmed by CEO Cai Haoyu in 2021, who named the Honkai Universe as one of the primary reasons for ''Genshin Impact''<nowiki/>'s development.<ref>{{Citation |title='Genshin Impact': Crafting an Anime-Style Open World | date=16 February 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JFyAdI_rO8 |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=en |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826231309/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JFyAdI_rO8 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some character names in ''Genshin Impact'' are similar to those in the ''Honkai'' series but not exactly the same,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Naik |first1=Vineet Kumar |title=Genshin Impact might introduce a new character based on Su's model from HI3 |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/rumor-genshin-impact-might-introduce-new-character-based-su-s-model-hi3 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=11 June 2022 |language=en-us |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044231/https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/rumor-genshin-impact-might-introduce-new-character-based-su-s-model-hi3 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Chinese and Japanese voice actors are the same as in the ''Honkai'' series. For example, the character Raiden Shogun in ''Genshin Impact'' mirrors Raiden Mei in the ''Honkai'' series, though their personalities differ significantly. Both the Chinese and Japanese voice actors for the two characters are the same: Juhuahua for Chinese and Miyuki Sawashiro for Japanese.<ref>{{Cite web |title=原神：雷电将军人气火爆，胸口拔刀经典再现，芽衣声优再演绎_雷神 |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/476703552_100166598 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Sohu News |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105045906/https://www.sohu.com/a/476703552_100166598 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=10 Genshin Impact Characters Look Like Honkai Impact Heroes |url=https://wotpack.ru/en/10-personazhej-genshin-impact-pohozhih-na-geroev-honkai-impact/?q=en%2F10-personazhej-genshin-impact-pohozhih-na-geroev-honkai-impact%2F |website=Wotpack.ru - игры, новости, гайды, прохождения |language=en |date=16 February 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044234/https://wotpack.ru/en/10-personazhej-genshin-impact-pohozhih-na-geroev-honkai-impact/?q=en/10-personazhej-genshin-impact-pohozhih-na-geroev-honkai-impact/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PocketTactics">{{cite web |title=Genshin Impact Fu Hua – is this Honkai character coming to Genshin? |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/genshin-impact/fu-hua |website=Pocket Tactics |date=5 December 2022 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428044232/https://www.pockettactics.com/genshin-impact/fu-hua |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Gameplay=== Apart from many elements present in games that emphasize on elemental strengths and weaknesses, two unique elements are shared in the ''Honkai'' series, namely Imaginary and Quantum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Vanessa |date=2023-05-12 |title=Honkai: Star Rail - 10 Nostalgic Details Only Honkai Impact 3rd Players Noticed |url=https://www.thegamer.com/honkai-star-rail-nostalgic-honkai-impact-3rd-details/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=2023-06-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603093204/https://www.thegamer.com/honkai-star-rail-nostalgic-honkai-impact-3rd-details/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Like most RPGs, the ''Honkai'' series use an experience level system for character advancement, in which experience points are accumulated by killing enemies. Certain materials can be used to speed up the character advancement. Level caps on certain levels for each character are placed, and players need to do ascension quests or submit materials to ascend further.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Akib Aditya |date=2023-05-12 |title=Honkai Star Rail: Character Progression Guide |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/honkai-star-rail-character-progression-guide/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=DualShockers |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502080948/https://www.dualshockers.com/honkai-star-rail-character-progression-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==History== {{VG timeline | subtitle = Main titles in '''bold''' | 2011 = ''FlyMe2theMoon'' | 2012 = '''''Zombiegal Kawaii''''' | 2014 = '''''Guns Girl Z''''' | 2016 = '''''Honkai Impact 3rd''''' <!--| 2020 = ''Genshin Impact''--> | 2023 = ''Honkai: Star Rail'' |TBA=''Honkai: Nexus Anima''}}
===Origin=== The ''Honkai'' series began with the release of ''FlyMe2theMoon'', a 2D side-scrolling paid game. ''FlyMe2theMoon'' is the first-ever game in the ''Honkai'' series, developed and released as an independent game by "miHoYo Studio" before the establishment of miHoYo company.<ref name="gameFM2M" /><ref>{{Cite web|author=好游快爆|title=走入「米哈游(miHoYo)」成长史：《崩坏》系列的回顾与对比|url=https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/423043712|access-date=2023-03-06|website=知乎专栏|language=zh}}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> On 28 September 2011, miHoYo released ''FlyMe2theMoon'', a paid game priced at 18 Chinese yuan, on the App Store as an independent developer.<ref name="AppStore FlyMe2theMoon">{{Cite web |title=FlyMe2theMoon |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flyme2themoon/id467894515 |website=App Store |date=6 February 2012 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124432/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flyme2themoon/id467894515 }}</ref> ''FlyMe2theMoon'' is a 2D side-scrolling game with 60 levels across four game modes, including exploration, puzzle solving, racing, and survival. The game's story follows Kiana Kaslana, a genius witch, as she travels to the Lunar Ruins to uncover the truth about her past after completing the Mage's brutal trials.<ref name="news4399"/> The game's title and theme are inspired by the anime ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''{{'}}s ending song "Fly Me to the Moon."<ref name="HonkaiEVA"/><ref name="MHYSkye"/> ''FlyMe2theMoon'' was developed using the Cocos2d software and the Box2D physics engine. The game's main theme song, ''Moon Trip'', was composed by Yu Jianliu, with lyrics by Lemonjolly and performed by the VOCALOID software Hatsune Miku.<ref>{{Citation|title=FlyMe2theMoon Miku Theme Song MV| date=28 September 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXZS9_1fO2A|accessdate=2022-09-21|language=zh-Hans-CN|archivedate=2022-08-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124438/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXZS9_1fO2A}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=【初音ミク】超萌え系iOSゲームFlyMe2theMoon MV【オリジナル】|url=https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm15744792|date=2011-09-29|accessdate=2022-09-21|language=ja|archivedate=2022-08-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124436/https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm15744792}}</ref>
===Main series=== ''Zombiegal Kawaii'', also localised as ''Houkai Gakuen'', is the first installment of the ''Honkai'' series. Although the miHoYo startup team received little financial success on ''FlyMe2theMoon'', they eventually got an angel investment of 1 million ''yuan'' from Skye.<ref name="MHYSkye"/> To spend the investment funds,<ref name="GameLookCai">{{Cite web |title=蔡浩宇：《崩坏学院2》做自己喜欢的游戏 |url=http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2014/07/169815 |website=GameLook |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127183141/http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2014/07/169815 |url-status=live }}</ref> miHoYo began developing ''Zombiegal Kawaii'' in December 2011, releasing on the iOS platform in December 2012 as a paid single-player game.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=《原神》日均吸金超600万美元 开发者米哈游会再谋上市吗？ |url=https://news.stcn.com/news/202012/t20201208_2604219.html|accessdate=2021-01-01|website=证券时报网|archive-date=2022-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622113118/https://news.stcn.com/news/202012/t20201208_2604219.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Influenced by the 2D side-scrolling shooter game ''Zombie Town'' and the Japanese anime ''Highschool of the Dead'', the game is set in a world undergoing a zombie invasion, known as "Houkai," which later became the name of the series. The game's protagonist, Kiana Kaslana, was directly borrowed from ''FlyMe2theMoon'', and she eventually became one of the core character of the ''Honkai'' series. The project began in December 2011 and underwent four to five iterations within three months. The game was developed using the Unity engine and Maya graphic software, and the values were fine-tuned and the systems improved for eight months. The game was released in version 1.0 in November 2012 and entered public testing in December of that year.<ref name="GameLookCai"/> ''Zombiegal Kawaii'' is an action game set in a school campus in the near future. The protagonist, Kiana, fights against zombies using various weapons in the besieged campus.<ref name="news4399"/>
''Guns Girl Z'', also localised as ''Houkai Gakuen 2'', is the second installment of the ''Honkai'' series, inheriting data, code, and art design from ''Zombiegal Kawaii''.<ref name="MHYProspectus">{{Cite web |title=上海米哈游网络科技股份有限公司首次公开发行股票招股说明书（申报稿2017年2月17日报送） |url=http://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c101803/c1007028/content.shtml |website=中国证券监督管理委员会 |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124434/http://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c101803/c1007028/content.shtml }}</ref> ''Guns Girl Z'' was initiated in June 2013. Comparing with ''Zombiegal Kawaii'', the biggest change was from a paid game to a free-to-play game with live service business model. The game's core gameplay is inspired by ''Puzzle & Dragons''. ''Guns Girl Z'' adds new characters, weapons, and costumes that were not present in ''Zombiegal Kawaii''. miHoYo started designing the server architecture in August and began the art design and system development in November. The development was faster than the original due to inheriting a large amount of data, code, and art assets from ''Zombiegal Kawaii''.<ref name="MHYProspectus"/><ref name="GameLookCai"/> The game released on 26 January 2014, becoming miHoYo's first successful commercial game. On 6 July, Cai Haoyu shared his experience in developing and promoting ''Guns Girl Z'' at the GameLook Open Day in Shanghai.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameLook开放日7.6上海站ACG专场报名 |url=http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2014/07/168227 |website=游戏大观 |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826125946/http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2014/07/168227 |url-status=live }}</ref> The concept of the "''Honkai'' Universe" was also proposed during this period.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Genshin Impact': Crafting an Anime-Style Open World|website=YouTube|author=GDC|date=16 February 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JFyAdI_rO8|accessdate=2022-09-21|language=en|archive-date=2022-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826231309/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JFyAdI_rO8|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Honkai Impact 3rd'' is an action role-playing game developed by miHoYo, based on the manga spin-off ''Honkai Impact 3rd''.<ref name="news4399"/> ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' was initiated in June 2014.<ref name="MHYProspectus"/> Starting in March 2015, miHoYo began developing the 3D game engine for ''Honkai Impact 3rd''. They developed a physics-based animation system that could simulate different materials using physical calculations, presenting more realistic character movements and destructive scene effects. It can also correct abrupt transitions between animations, making the animations smoother and more natural. In addition, miHoYo developed its technologies for 3D modeling, light mapping, and real-time and pre-rendering systems. Content production for the game began in October of the same year.<ref name="MHYProspectus"/> During the development process, since no member on the team knew how to do 3D projects, transitioning from 2D to 3D was a challenge. Creating the artwork, model, and animation of Kiana Kaslana took six months. After a test run, the team discarded the work and restarted from scratch to establish the current system.<ref name="HonkaiEVA"/> It was first released for iOS in March 2016<ref name="gamersky"/> and entered open beta in September of the same year.<ref name="GoogleAward">{{Cite web |last=sina_mobile |date=2020-12-24 |title=刘伟做客谷歌，讲述米哈游和《原神》的故事 |url=https://k.sina.cn/article_1652484947_627eeb53020013avf.html?from=news&subch=onews |website=k.sina.cn |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124432/https://k.sina.cn/article_1652484947_627eeb53020013avf.html?from=news&subch=onews}}</ref> The game was released in October 2016.<ref name="DoNews">{{Cite web |title=米哈游IPO排队三年终梦碎，押宝新游却陷抄袭争议 |url=https://www.donews.com/article/detail/4981/25176.html |website=DoNews |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826125936/https://www.donews.com/article/detail/4981/25176.html }}</ref><ref name="MHYProspectus"/>
''Honkai Impact 3rd'' is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where players can take on the role of various Valkyries and fight against enemies using a variety of weapons and skills. The game features characters from the previous game, including Kiana Kaslana, Raiden Mei, and Bronya Zaychik. In addition to the game itself, ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' also has an anime series, visual novels, manga, and live-action promotional materials. It has gained a following worldwide since its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-05 |title=This hit anime schoolgirl game looks Japanese, but it's from China |url=https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3029024/hit-anime-schoolgirl-game-looks-japanese-its-china |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802125023/https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3029024/hit-anime-schoolgirl-game-looks-japanese-its-china}}</ref> After being released in mainland China for several months, the game was launched in Japan on 22 February 2017, Taiwan on 18 May 2017, Southeast Asia on 1 November 2017, and North America and Europe on 28 March 2018. A PC version was released on 26 December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honkai Impact 3rd PC Version Launches on December 26! |url=https://honkaiimpact3.hoyoverse.com/global/en-us/news/1851 |website=HoYoverse |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124433/https://honkaiimpact3.hoyoverse.com/global/en-us/news/1851 }}</ref>
===Spin-offs=== On 15 February 2017, miHoYo filed for an initial public offering (IPO) to the China Securities Regulatory Commission when the company was planning to raise over a billion CNY. During the process, several concerns were under attention, including the company's dependence on a single intellectual property, the ''Honkai'' series. The main source of miHoYo's revenue was ''Guns Girl Z'', accounting for 96.34%. The risk is that the company may not be able to continue to launch new products to meet the needs of players or update the content of their games, and they could face the loss of users. Another issue is that the company might fail to grasp changes in preferences, and the ''Honkai'' series loses appeal.<ref name="MHYProspectus"/> On 19 December, miHoYo submitted an updated prospectus that included ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' in its revenue, accounting for 98.82% with ''Guns Girl Z'',<ref name="csrc_ipo_material">{{Cite news |author=中国证券监督管理委员会 China Securities Regulatory Commission |date=5 January 2018 |title=上海米哈游网络科技股份有限公司首次公开发行股票招股说明书（申报稿2017年12月19日报送） |url=http://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c101803/c1006201/content.shtml |access-date=11 August 2022 |website=csrc.gov.cn |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124435/http://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c101803/c1006201/content.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> which did not help much in the situation. Instead, miHoYo renamed the project ''Honkai 4th'', also named ''Honkai: Chronicles'' and initialized in January 2017,{{efn|There were two upcoming game projects listed in the IPO prospectus, and one of which was named ''Honkai: Chronicles'' ({{lang|zh|崩坏-编年史}}). Later, miHoYo registered several trademarks under the name of ''Honkai: Chronicles'', including the "Knights of Schicksal" that are rumored to be the prototype of the Knights of Favonius in ''Genshin Impact''.<ref name="csrc_ipo_material" />}} to ''Genshin Impact'', which is no longer a title in the ''Honkai'' series.<ref>{{Cite news |author=维权骑士品牌馆{{!}}游戏 |date=19 January 2019 |title=米哈游接受东方卫视采访，或透露崩坏四制作花絮！ |url=https://k.sina.com.cn/article_6544033401_1860e067904800fjj3.html?from=game#/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=Sina |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124441/https://k.sina.com.cn/article_6544033401_1860e067904800fjj3.html?from=game#/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=bili_87857041 |date=16 January 2019 |title=【崩坏3】大伟哥接受电视采访miHoYo创业历程 |url=https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Mt411p7j2 |access-date=1 August 2022 |website=Bilibili |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124432/https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Mt411p7j2 |url-status=live }}</ref> miHoYo withdrew its IPO application in 2020.<ref name="BBT">{{Cite web |title=排队逾三年IPO梦碎 米哈游"崩坏"_垂直频道财经新闻中心上市公司频道 |url=https://www.bbtnews.com.cn/2020/0914/369437.shtml |website=北京商报 |access-date=2022-09-21 |archive-date=2022-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826124439/https://www.bbtnews.com.cn/2020/0914/369437.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DoNews"/><ref name="Jingji">{{Cite news |author=包雨朦 |date=16 September 2020 |title=米哈游三年上市之路"崩坏"，已撤销IPO申请 |url=https://m.21jingji.com/article/20200916/herald/f6e6744a10518e476a4ad470f01111e3.html |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=21财经 |archive-date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802131824/https://m.21jingji.com/article/20200916/herald/f6e6744a10518e476a4ad470f01111e3.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although not part of the ''Honkai'' series, ''Genshin Impact'' is often considered a spin-off of the series,{{By whom|date=September 2025}} with similar character design<ref name="GameRant" /><ref name="PocketTactics" /> and was confirmed to be set in the same multiverse<ref name="genshin-multiverse">{{cite AV media |last=''Honkai Impact 3rd'' |title=V4.2 Battlesuit [Fallen Rosemary] Trailer - Honkai Impact 3rd |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJaGQr8OX48 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2023-05-06 |language=en |quote=In the final part of main story Chapter 17, Overseer Otto observed other worlds via the Imaginary Tree. One of his observations is Dvalin, the wind dragon from Teyvat. |archive-date=2023-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516034456/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJaGQr8OX48 |url-status=live }}</ref> as the ''Honkai'' series.
In November 2018, another ''Honkai 4th'' project, originally named ''Honkai 4th: Galaxy'', was initiated.<ref>{{cite web |author1=蓝鲸财经 |title=年入百亿的原神制作方米哈游、万国觉醒制作方莉莉丝却在企业理财上栽了坑 |url=http://finance.ce.cn/stock/gsgdbd/202206/28/t20220628_37810132.shtml |website=中國經濟網 |accessdate=2023-11-05 |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105072608/http://finance.ce.cn/stock/gsgdbd/202206/28/t20220628_37810132.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=3DMGAME官方微博 |title=米哈游注册商标《崩坏4:银河》 |url=https://k.sina.cn/article_2163365571_p80f256c302700sagd.html |website=新浪网 |accessdate=2023-11-05 |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105044031/https://k.sina.cn/article_2163365571_p80f256c302700sagd.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, the game was reinitiated in 2019 as ''Honkai: Star Rail'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Deven |date=2023-02-20 |title=Michael Lin & Fish Ling Interview: HoYoverse's Honkai Star Rail |url=https://screenrant.com/honkai-star-rail-interview-michael-lin-fish-ling/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521085443/https://screenrant.com/honkai-star-rail-interview-michael-lin-fish-ling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with the plan being a lighter live service game, intending to run for at least six years after launch.<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 2">{{cite interview |author1=David |author2=橋野桂 |interviewer=TAITAI |script-title=ja:アトラス橋野桂氏×『崩壊：スターレイル』プロデューサー対談 |url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/230425q |accessdate=2023-05-21 |work={{lang|ja|電ファミニコゲーマー}} |date=2023-04-25 |language=ja |archive-date=2023-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531070212/https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/230425q |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="17173 Set Sail">{{cite web |title=崩坏星穹铁道：向着"十亿人沉浸的虚拟世界"启航 |url=http://news.17173.com/content/04252023/170936500.shtml |website=17173 |accessdate=2023-05-21 |date=2023-04-25 |archive-date=2023-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521085454/http://news.17173.com/content/04252023/170936500.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the setting of the previous game ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' was Earth, and other planets were mentioned in the storyline, the production team decided to set ''Honkai: Star Rail'' in the "universe."<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 2"/> ''Honkai: Star Rail'' is a turn-based role-playing game set in a galaxy of the ''Honkai'' universe. Players play as the Trailblazer, a mysterious amnesiac possessing within them a Stellaron, a world-ending catalyst given by the Aeon Nanook. To find their purpose, the Trailblazer joins the crew of the "Astral Express" to follow the path of the deceased Aeon Akivili, and to help and connect the worlds raptured by the Stellaron incidents by Nanook, while encountering various friendly and opposing factions, including the Stellaron Hunters, who has an interest in the Trailblazer's journey. Due to player feedback about the high difficulty of ''Honkai Impact 3rd'', the team decided to focus more on strategy for ''Honkai: Star Rail'', lowering the difficulty and barrier to entry, creating a "playable anime."<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 2"/> ''Honkai: Star Rail'' was globally launched on 26 April 2023.<ref name="gamersky"/>
===Sequels and expansions=== After the completion of ''Guns Girl Z''{{'}}s main story "Retrospect Chapter," the game continued to update with new storylines in the form of side story chapters such as "Reborn Chapter."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/03/511733|title=《崩坏3》迎来第一部结局，米哈游凭什么再掀起一场玩家狂欢？|work=GameLook|date=2023-03-06|accessdate=2024-11-28|language=zh-Hans-CN|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817151613/http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/03/511733|url-status=live}}</ref>
A massive expansion of ''Honkai Impact 3rd'', titled "''Honkai Impact 3rd'' Part 2" was released on 29 February 2024. Built upon the existing game, the update marks the start of the second major story arc of the game, with new characters, reworked UI, an updated engine, and a shift from a mission-based structure to a limited open-world structure similar to ''Honkai: Star Rail.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-26 |first=Yan |last=Ku |title=Honkai Impact 3rd Part 2 will be releasing on 29 February with a new world, characters, combat, and more |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/honkai-impact-3rd-part-2-will-be-releasing-on-29-february-with-a-new-world-characters-combat-and-more-060043948.html |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG |archive-date=2024-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327102108/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/honkai-impact-3rd-part-2-will-be-releasing-on-29-february-with-a-new-world-characters-combat-and-more-060043948.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Development== ===Writing=== Currently, the writing team for the ''Honkai'' series consists of dozens of people. Rather than having each project create independently, the conceptualization, setting, and creation of the entire ''Honkai'' series is carried out within a higher-level "IP team."<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 3" />
Shaoji is the main writer for ''Honkai Impact 3rd''{{'}}s main story chapters including "Final Lesson," "Elysian Realm," and "Everlasting Flames." During the preview livestream of ''Honkai: Star Rail'' version 2.0, Shaoji appeared as a program guest and revealed his new role as a narrative designer for the entire ''Honkai'' series, and he is also the main writer for the Penacony chapter in ''Honkai: Star Rail''{{'}}s main story.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Infamous writer has Honkai: Star Rail fans fear for their favorite characters |url=https://www.si.com/videogames/news/honkai-star-rail-fans-fear-for-favorite-characters |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=2024-01-26 |language=en-US |first=Marco |last=Wutz |access-date=2024-11-29 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219011045/https://www.si.com/videogames/news/honkai-star-rail-fans-fear-for-favorite-characters |url-status=dead }}</ref> In an interview with ''Den Fami Nico Gamer'', Shaoji stated that the ''Honkai'' series' storylines are built around modern pop culture. Therefore, they first consider "what problems and difficulties people face in reality today," assign these issues to various characters, and show different characters' understanding of these problems through the story. Based on this foundation, the story ultimately reaches a conclusion that is more romantic, positive, and idealistic than reality, allowing players to resonate with the story. Shaoji expressed that his creative starting point is to share a feeling of "shared experiences and mutual companionship" with players through stories, hoping that players can gain beautiful and valuable memories after playing. He stated that the theme of the ''Honkai'' series is "humanistic care," where through various "anthems of humanity" stories, players can discover the beauty of life and find courage and warmth. The writing team hopes to pass on this "flame of human civilization" to more people.<ref name="Denfaminicogamer Inerview 3" />
===Art design=== The lead artist for the ''Honkai'' series is CiCi (Zhang Qinghua), who is also the art director at miHoYo. During the development of ''FlyMe2theMoon'', miHoYo discovered CiCi, then a senior student majoring in animation at Guangdong University of Technology, through social media.<ref name="MHYProspectus"/> He was invited to join miHoYo and became the lead artist. CiCi's first character design was for the protagonist Kiana in ''FlyMe2theMoon'', who is the prototype for the main character Kiana Kaslana in the ''Honkai'' series. As the only artist in the startup team, he designed almost all of miHoYo's early art.<ref name="HonkaiEVA"/><ref name="MHYSkye"/>
In terms of character design, ''Game Daily'' summarizes the art design of the ''Honkai'' series as "amplifying character traits," which means strengthening the characteristics of characters through various forms of expression, such as character portraits, skill effects, and trailers, to make a lasting impression on players about the characters' appearances. The goal is to make all kinds of characters seem "as if they truly live in the game world," in harmony with other materials including the plot and lore bits.<ref>{{cite web |author1=敖乾鑫 |title=深度拆解！《崩坏：星穹铁道》游戏核心元素之角色塑造怎么做？ |url=http://news.yxrb.net/2023/0722/2328.html |website=游戏日报 |accessdate=2023-11-23 |archive-date=2023-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815104020/https://news.yxrb.net/2023/0722/2328.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Regarding scene art, the art designers of ''Honkai: Star Rail'' stated that industrializing the game's sticker work is part of miHoYo's "industrialization" goal, and the pursuit of perfection in art effects and performance is to provide the best gaming experience for players. As for the design of promotional videos, miHoYo's trailer designers said that in addition to the pursuit of beauty in art design itself, promotional videos also need to "convey information and share emotions" to create an appropriate and immersive worldview.<ref name="shouyounadianshi">{{cite web |author1=R酱 |author2=手游那点事 |title="在米哈游做美术，我经历了什么？" |url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6R5rpNgGJ--ZvhIA7wX76w |website=微信公衆號文章 |accessdate=2023-11-23 |archive-date=2023-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123030427/https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6R5rpNgGJ--ZvhIA7wX76w |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Music=== The music for the ''Honkai'' series is composed by several composers from HOYO-MiX. In 2011, miHoYo acquired the rights to ''Gradually Collapsing Hatsune Miku''{{efn|Also known as ''Honkai World Diva''}} and subsequently, composers Cai Jinhan, Zheng Xiaoyu, and Xia Yihan joined miHoYo and co-founded the HOYO-MiX studio to create soundtracks for miHoYo's games. Cai Jinhan serves as the principal of HOYO-MiX and also as the music director at miHoYo.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-13|title=数字音乐专委会在沪成立，米哈游音乐负责人蔡近翰任副主任|url=https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-12-13/doc-ikyakumx3825154.shtml|access-date=2023-09-14|website=新浪科技|archive-date=2022-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926184612/https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-12-13/doc-ikyakumx3825154.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, HOYO-MiX recruited composers such as Gong Qi, Wen Chi, and Lin Yifan to create original soundtrack music for all works in the ''Honkai'' series. The first original soundtrack album of the ''Honkai'' series, ''Honkai World Diva - Guns Girl Z OST'', was released on 11 November 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=网易云音乐 崩坏学园2 OST|url=https://music.163.com/#/album?id=35313324|access-date=2023-09-14|website=网易云音乐|archive-date=2018-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018134211/https://music.163.com/#/album?id=35313324|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2017, HOYO-MiX has continued to collaborate with several well-known singers, with the first collaboration being with Japanese pianist and singer Mika Kobayashi to release singles such as ''Girl Inside'' and ''Honkai World Diva''. Just half a month after release, ''Girl Inside'' entered the NetEase Cloud Music chart at top 6, and ''Honkai World Diva'' also entered the top 10.<ref>{{Cite web|last=李彤|date=2017-07-12|title=HOYO-MiX作音乐品榜引关注 在绝望中挖掘希望|url=https://www.163.com/ent/article/CP5FLPJ300038793.html|access-date=2023-09-14|website=网易娛樂|archive-date=2023-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103094826/https://www.163.com/ent/article/CP5FLPJ300038793.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Localisation=== In an interview by ''Play'' magazine, HoYoverse explained the unique challenges encountered in the English localisation of ''Honkai: Star Rail''. The localisation process involves creatively translating cultural and pop culture references, especially those deeply rooted in Chinese society and language. To make the game accessible to English-speaking players, HoYoverse adapts Chinese idioms, memes, and references. For instance, an in-game achievement paying tribute to a Jay Chou song ''All the Way North'' was renamed "Sweet Pom-Pom O'Mine" as a nod to Guns N' Roses. The game also features Classical Chinese elements, which are meticulously translated to maintain their essence.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Austin |last=Wood |date=2023-10-30 |title=Honkai Star Rail devs explain how they filled the RPG with Chinese memes adapted for an English-speaking audience |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/honkai-star-rail-devs-explain-how-they-filled-the-rpg-with-chinese-memes-adapted-for-an-english-speaking-audience/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104082915/https://www.gamesradar.com/honkai-star-rail-devs-explain-how-they-filled-the-rpg-with-chinese-memes-adapted-for-an-english-speaking-audience/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Reception== {{VG Series Reviews |qid1 = Q108896777 }}
The ''Honkai'' series of games has received recognition from both the market and players. ''Guns Girl Z'' won awards such as the "2014 Best 2D Online Game Golden Peng Award" and the "Most Popular Online Mobile Game Award." As of 30 June 2017, ''Guns Girl Z''{{'}}s cumulative revenue from in-game purchases exceeded 1 billion ''yuan''. ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' received Apple's homepage recommendation on the App Store the next day after release. ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' also garnered accolades from China's Mobile Hardcore Alliance, winning the "Top 10 Popular Games" and the "2016 Best 2D Online Game Golden Peng Award." As of 30 June 2017, ''Honkai Impact 3rd'' had over 22 million registered accounts and accumulated revenue exceeding 1.1 billion ''yuan''.<ref name="huaxin">{{cite web |title=2022年游戏行业之米哈游深度研究 米哈游发展历程与竞争优势分析 |url=https://pdf.dfcfw.com/pdf/H3_AP202209301578791091_1.pdf?1664534052000.pdf |website=华鑫证券 |accessdate=2023-11-05 |archive-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105044030/https://pdf.dfcfw.com/pdf/H3_AP202209301578791091_1.pdf?1664534052000.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Honkai: Star Rail'' had 22.98 million pre-registered players in mainland China and 10 million outside China during its pre-release period.<ref name="GameLook Chart">{{cite web |title=《崩坏：星穹铁道》创纪录：提前3天预下载，中美日韩免费榜已夺冠 |url=http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/04/516245 |website=GameLook |accessdate=2023-07-30 |language=zh-cn |date=2023-04-25 |archive-date=2023-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502002232/http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/04/516245 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 April 2023, ''Honkai: Star Rail'' topped the free charts in over 113 countries and regions on the App Store,<ref name="oeeee01">{{cite news |author1=林文琪 |title=《崩坏：星穹铁道》公测首日遇黑屏故障，米哈游回应来了 |url=https://m.mp.oeeee.com/a/BAAFRD000020230426789778.html |accessdate=2023-04-28 |work=南方都市报 |date=2023-04-26 |language=zh-hans |archive-date=2023-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428130455/https://m.mp.oeeee.com/a/BAAFRD000020230426789778.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and topped the grossing charts in mainland China, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.<ref name="GameLook Chart"/> After its global launch on 26 April, the game reached the top spot on the App Store bestseller list in mainland China within 5 hours, and it ranked in the top ten in other 42 countries. miHoYo announced that the game's downloads had exceeded 20 million by 28 April.<ref name="youxiputao01">{{cite news |author1=果脯 |title=42个国家畅销前十，《崩坏：星穹铁道》下载量破2000万 |url=https://youxiputao.com/article/24920.html |accessdate=2023-04-28 |work=游戏葡萄 |date=2023-04-28 |language=zh-hans |archive-date=2023-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602020452/https://youxiputao.com/article/24920.html |url-status=live }}</ref> GameLook estimates that ''Honkai: Star Rail''{{'}}s global revenue on its launch day likely exceeded 100 million ''yuan''.<ref>{{cite web |title=《崩坏:星穹铁道》炮轰畅销榜，今年新游戏已抢夺30%收入大盘，老游戏慌了？ |url=http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/04/515899 |website=GameLook |accessdate=2023-06-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501225856/http://www.gamelook.com.cn/2023/04/515899 |archivedate=2023-05-01 |url-status=live |language=zh-cn |date=2023-04-28}}</ref> According to Sensor Tower, the mobile version of ''Honkai: Star Rail'' generated over 100 million USD in global revenue within 10 days, with China accounting for 44%, Japan for 22%, and the United States for 12%.<ref>{{cite web |author1=黑猫 |title=《崩坏：星穹铁道》上线10天狂揽1亿美元，同期超《原神》2000万美元 |url=http://youxichaguan.com/news/31199.html |website=游戏茶馆 |accessdate=2023-06-08 |language=zh-cn |date=2023-05-29 |archive-date=2023-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612133724/http://youxichaguan.com/news/31199.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |editor1=周一 |title=破原神记录 《崩坏：星穹铁道》上市十天营收超1亿美元 |url=https://www.ali213.net/news/html/2023-5/759397.html |website=游侠网 |accessdate=2023-06-08 |language=zh-cn |date=2023-05-26 |archive-date=2023-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613124527/https://www.ali213.net/news/html/2023-5/759397.html |url-status=live }}</ref> DataEye statistics show that within 15 days of its launch, the iOS version and the Android version (downloaded via Google Play) had already generated at least US$65 million in revenue, with Japanese revenue reaching 120 million ''yuan''.<ref>{{cite web |author1=小猪 |title=《星穹铁道》杀疯了，15天至少吸金4.5亿 {{!}} 东南亚出海秀 |url=http://youxichaguan.com/news/31141.html |website=游戏茶馆 |accessdate=2023-06-08 |language=zh-cn |date=2023-05-18 |archive-date=2023-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612133724/http://youxichaguan.com/news/31141.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the review aggregator website Metacritic, ''Honkai: Star Rail'' has received predominantly positive reviews.<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/honkai-star-rail/|title=Honkai: Star Rail|website=Metacritic|publisher=Fandom, Inc.|access-date=2023-09-30|archive-date=2023-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020201837/https://www.metacritic.com/game/honkai-star-rail/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another review aggregator, OpenCritic, compiled 20 review articles, with 88% being positive.<ref name="OC">{{cite web |title=Honkai: Star Rail Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/14841/honkai-star-rail |website=OpenCritic |accessdate=2023-07-01 |archive-date=2023-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505023603/https://opencritic.com/game/14841/honkai-star-rail |url-status=live }}</ref> Jess Reyes from IGN referred to it as the best free-to-play game of 2023.<ref name="IGN Review" >{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Jess |title=Honkai: Star Rail Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/honkai-star-rail-review |website=IGN |accessdate=2023-05-27 |language=en |date=2023-05-10 |archive-date=2023-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510170824/https://www.ign.com/articles/honkai-star-rail-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://honkaiimpact3.hoyoverse.com/|name=Official Website of ''Honkai Impact 3rd''}} * {{Official website|https://hsr.hoyoverse.com/|name=Official Website of ''Honkai: Star Rail''}}
{{Mihoyo}}
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