"Kanjian," or "Insight," signifies an elevated perspective and a deeper understanding — a journey from the classroom to the corporate world, from theory to practice, from observation to participation. The International Student Office of Fudan University has launched the "Kanjian" corporate visit series to lead international students directly to the forefront of Chinese enterprises. Through these visits, students gain a feel for the pulse of the economy, engage with the waves of innovation, and glimpse the future through dialogue and firsthand experience.

This time: a look at miHoYo’s approach to original IP and game design.

On April 23, 2026, the International Student Office of Fudan University took over thirty international students to miHoYo for a company visit. Through discussions and guided tours of miHoYo's creative spaces — including areas dedicated to game development, content design, and IP production — students saw firsthand how the company blends artistic detail with technical innovation to build immersive worlds, develop original content, and grow its IP ecosystem. The visit also gave students a real sense of miHoYo's mission — "Tech Otakus Save the World" — and the company's growing role in bringing Chinese original content to global audiences and shaping game culture worldwide.

About miHoYo

Founded in 2011, miHoYo is committed to delivering high-quality products and content that exceed user expectations. The company has launched a number of hit titles, including Houkai Gakuen 2, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, as well as announced projects such as Honkai: Nexus Anima and Petit Planet. Beyond games, miHoYo has also expanded its original IP into animation, music, merchandise, and other formats.

Driven by its mission — "Tech Otakus Save the World" — miHoYo continues to invest in R&D and explore cutting-edge technologies. The company has built strong technical capabilities in cel shading, artificial intelligence, and cloud gaming.

miHoYo is headquartered in Shanghai, China, with a global presence under its brand HoYoverse, operating in Singapore, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. The company currently employs 5,000 people, many of whom come from leading game, internet, and tech companies around the world.

Behind the Games

The visit had two parts. First, students took a guided tour of miHoYo's exhibition area and R&D offices. Through real project examples, they got a close look at how game engines, art design, and storytelling come together — not just to make games, but also to fuel animations, merchandise, and other creative products. The tour showed them the level of craftsmanship and the tech system behind miHoYo's work.

After the tour, a miHoYo campus recruiter walked students through the company's history, creative mission, and growth strategy. She also shared examples of miHoYo's work in original game development, high-quality content creation, and building global IPs. In the Q&A session, students asked about miHoYo's future plans, how it reaches international audiences, and what job or internship opportunities exist for international students.

 

The visit left students with a much deeper understanding of miHoYo's creative ecosystem, its IP portfolio, and its global ambitions — and a real feel for how China's digital entertainment and original game industry are innovating and reaching the world.

Student Reflections

DINDA AULIA SAFITRI ANINDITA (Indonesia)

Undergraduate, International Cultural Exchange School

"I joined this miHoYo visit organized by the International Student Office and learned a lot. Back in middle and high school, many of my classmates loved games, but I never paid much attention. I used to think games were just a way to pass time or have fun, so I wasn't really interested.

This visit made me realize how narrow my view was. As an international business major, I usually follow emerging sectors like new energy. This time, I discovered that gaming is just as dynamic — it's an industry with real momentum. Games are not just about entertainment or emotional connection; they also drive economic growth and bring other industries along with them.

Through the visit, I learned about miHoYo's journey and achievements, and got a basic sense of where the gaming industry has been, where it is now, and where it's heading. It also gave me new ideas about the job market and my own career plans.

Thank you to the International Student Office for organizing this, and I look forward to more visits like this in the future."

SOFIA HUANG (Argentina)

Undergraduate, International Cultural Exchange School

"This visit was truly rewarding. Stepping into miHoYo and seeing things up close, I got a real feel for the industry's energy and its work environment — professional yet relaxed.

I've played miHoYo's games for a long time, but this was my first time learning what goes on behind the scenes. I got to see the different roles — design, art, programming, operations, international publishing — and how they all work as a team. Before this visit, I just enjoyed playing. I never thought much about how the games were actually made. Now I see that a great game depends on many teams working together quietly and smoothly.

The experience broadened my perspective and gave me a much more complete understanding of the gaming industry. It also deepened my appreciation for international development and cross-cultural exchange."

FEDERICO SABATINI (Italy)

Master's Student, School of Computing and AI Innovation

"I've been playing miHoYo's games since 2020. I never thought I'd get the chance to visit the company in person. When we arrived, I was really excited. The office space felt open, creative, and full of energy. The staff first took us to the brand exhibition area, and the atmosphere was relaxed and lively.

As an AI major, what struck me most was learning that miHoYo has its own AI department — and that they actually use AI for things like character modeling, animation, and content creation. This gave me a much clearer picture of how AI is being applied in the real world, and it also opened up new ideas for my own career path."

This visit gave international students a glimpse into the rapid growth of China's digital culture industry. They saw firsthand how a local tech and culture company like miHoYo is reshaping the global ecosystem for original IP through deep expertise in both technology and art. From self-developed game engines to open-world design, students experienced how cutting-edge technology and artistic vision come together to create immersive experiences and bring Chinese original content to the world.

Through this close look at advanced R&D and original content creation, students gained a deeper understanding of how today's cultural and creative companies are driven by innovation and a commitment to quality. They also left with new ideas about how technology can empower cultural production, integrate with tourism, and shape the future of digital entertainment. Fudan University will continue to strengthen its partnerships with companies and build diverse platforms for hands-on learning, helping students broaden their global perspective and explore new paths for growth.

Source: Fudan University