Could Genshin Impact Be Coming to Steam? New Signs Point to a Potential Move

Speculation is mounting that Genshin Impact could finally be making its way to Steam. While the action RPG has long been a staple on the Epic Games Store and consoles, new files spotted in the HoYoverse launcher have sparked rumors that a Steam version may be in development. While some suggest this could be a result of shared code between HoYoverse titles, the timing has many players paying close attention.

The discussion surrounding a potential Steam release was fueled further by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, who recently claimed that Steam’s fees encourage developers with large audiences to "go it alone." In a social media exchange, Sweeney pointed to companies like Epic, Riot, and HoYoverse as notable "Steam skippers." However, the assertion was quickly corrected by a Twitter community note, which pointed out that HoYoverse—formerly known as MiHoYo—is no longer avoiding Valve's platform entirely.

The Steam Precedent: Zenless Zone Zero

HoYoverse has indeed begun building a presence on Steam. Just weeks ago, the developer released its action RPG Zenless Zone Zero on the platform to positive reviews. Unlike some port attempts, Zenless allowed for full account linking, enabling existing players to migrate their progress and purchases into the Steam ecosystem. While Zenless Zone Zero currently maintains a smaller player base than Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail it served as an effective test case for the studio's integration with Valve’s storefront.

Timing the Next Update

With Genshin Impact approaching its 7.0 update in six weeks, many are viewing this milestone as a natural window for a platform expansion. Update 7.0 is set to kick off the final known chapter of the game's current regional storyline, beginning with the Snezhnaya area. Releasing on Steam alongside such a major update could be a strategic move to capture a wider audience as the game reaches this significant narrative turning point.

Despite the speculation, it is worth noting that HoYoverse continues to maintain a strong partnership with the Epic Games Store. According to Epic's latest annual report, Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail remain among the store's top five "Mythic" PC games. Whether the studio opts to diversify further by launching Genshin Impact on Steam remains to be seen, but the infrastructure for such a move is clearly being laid.