miHoYo Designer Reveals You Don’t Need to Be a Pro Gamer to Build Hit Games

A recent presentation by miHoYo combat designer Aquaria at Tsinghua University has sparked discussion across the gaming community, addressing a question many aspiring developers ask. Do you need to be a pro gamer to become a game designer? According to Aquaria, the answer is clear. Skill level is not the priority. Understanding design is.

During the Fall 2026 recruitment fair, Aquaria explored the fundamentals of game design philosophy, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how miHoYo approaches development for titles like Genshin Impact. The talk covered everything from creative expression and technical skills to long-term product strategy, painting a comprehensive picture of what it truly takes to succeed in the industry.

One of the most important takeaways was miHoYo’s focus on long-term operation. Aquaria explained that while creating a hit game is extremely difficult, the company prioritizes sustained success over short-term survival. Designers are encouraged to think about how systems will evolve over time, rather than focusing only on launch performance. This mindset sets miHoYo apart, allowing teams to build lasting player engagement and continuous content updates.

Creativity also plays a central role. Aquaria emphasized that games are content-driven works, requiring designers to balance personal expression with player satisfaction. While indie games often lean toward self-expression and commercial games prioritize audience demand, miHoYo aims to merge both approaches, creating experiences that reflect the team’s philosophy while still resonating with a global audience. This balance is key to producing games that feel both artistic and accessible.

On the technical side, Aquaria highlighted the importance of strong foundational skills. Contrary to popular belief, design is not just about storytelling. Instead, it involves clear communication with programmers and artists, including defining interfaces, structuring data, and ensuring systems function as intended. Tools like version control and documentation are essential, as poor execution in these areas can derail entire projects.

Another standout point was the reality of teamwork. Aquaria described game development as a high-pressure collaborative process, where individuals must work with unfamiliar teammates, adapt quickly, and overcome challenges together. He referred to this process as a kind of “trial by fire”, where the true goal is not perfection, but identifying weaknesses and improving key skills.

Interestingly, Aquaria also addressed the misconception that designers must excel at games. While broad gaming experience is crucial, focusing too heavily on a single title or genre can limit perspective. He cited his own 2,700 hours playing PUBG as an example, noting that such specialization can reduce a designer’s ability to understand different gameplay systems and design trade-offs. Instead, designers must study games from a developer’s perspective, analyzing why certain decisions are made.

This analytical approach extends to systems in Genshin Impact itself. For example, Aquaria explained that decisions like limiting the number of elemental reactions are carefully considered to balance strategic depth with accessibility. Expanding complexity too far could overwhelm new players while reducing clarity for veterans. These choices reflect the importance of design boundaries and player experience balance.

Finally, Aquaria emphasized the importance of mental resilience. Game developers frequently face criticism, but it is essential to differentiate constructive feedback from noise. Rather than viewing players as adversaries, designers must understand that players are partners in the evolution of the game.

Overall, the presentation delivers a clear message. Becoming a designer at miHoYo is not about being the best player. It is about having creative vision, technical discipline, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate under pressure. In a rapidly evolving industry, these qualities matter far more than rank or reaction speed.