In the virtual world of gaming, we can find reflections of human society: A cultivation guide for the new character in Genshin Impact version 5.7
In this era where the virtual and real worlds are intertwined, games have long surpassed being merely a form of entertainment, becoming instead a mirror that reflects contemporary society. Genshin Impact, a game that has swept the globe, continuously introduces new characters and gameplay mechanics in its version updates. The designs of these characters and their interactions with players resemble a prism, refracting modern social behaviors and value orientations.
Silcock, the new character set to debut in version 5.7, has skill sets and a background that suggest a deep understanding of player psychology on the part of the game designers. As we delve into her cultivation guide, we are, in essence, exploring a miniature social system, one that encapsulates complex mechanisms of resource allocation, social interaction, and cultural transmission.
In this virtual world, the cultivation of a character resembles the growth history of an individual. From level zero at the beginning to the final max level, each breakthrough requires specific resources. These resources include not only in-game virtual items but also map onto the patterns of resource acquisition in real-world society. Upon examining Silcock’s breakthrough material list, we discover a sophisticated resource allocation system: from “Fragment of Ailing Ice Jade” to “Cloud Rock Shard,” and from “Gnasher Teeth” to “Mechanism Component,” the acquisition methods and quantity distributions of these materials form a complete resource acquisition network.
Within this system, player behavior exhibits clear sociological characteristics. First, the principle of resource scarcity dictates player actions, much like resource allocation in real-world society, where scarce materials often require players to invest more time and effort. Second, there is a balance between cooperation and competition; in the process of resource acquisition, players must find the optimal balance between solo farming and team collaboration, which bears a striking resemblance to social relationships in human society.
Notably, the methods of resource acquisition in the game have evolved into a unique set of social rules. For example, the material “Deep-Embedded Gaze” requires defeating specific enemies, which demands that players master certain combat skills while also understanding the game world’s geography and enemy characteristics. These complex acquisition conditions effectively form an implicit system of social division of labor.
In terms of character talent enhancement, we can observe another social phenomenon being mirrored. From “Talent of Competitiveness” to “Philosophy of Competitiveness,” the acquisition paths for these talent materials involve dungeon farming and boss battles. This not only tests a player’s individual abilities but also requires them to establish a stable social network within the game. Particularly in high-difficulty dungeons, the importance of team collaboration becomes even more pronounced, aligning seamlessly with the principles of cooperation and mutual aid in real-world society.
The in-game currency and trading system further replicate the economic laws of the real world within virtual space. Platforms like Treabar, serving as a link between the virtual and real worlds, demonstrate how to establish an efficient exchange mechanism between virtual and real economies. Players’ actions of topping up on this platform represent both an investment in in-game resources and a participation in the virtual economic system.
From a more macro perspective, the resource allocation mechanisms in the game world reflect resource distribution issues in real-world society. Game designers achieve reasonable resource allocation by adjusting the drop rates and difficulty of obtaining materials, paralleling real-world resource regulation. This mechanism ensures game balance while allowing players to experience the value of social fairness during resource acquisition.
In this process, player behavior not only follows the rules of the game but also unconsciously imitates the social behaviors and value systems of the real world. The cultivation of a character thus becomes a microcosm of societal development, where players, through their in-game actions, gain insights into the complexities of resource management, social interaction, and cultural transmission.
Ultimately, the design of Genshin Impact’s version updates and character systems offers us more than just entertainment; it provides a lens through which we can observe and understand the intricate dynamics of human society.