HoYoverse tightens security on Genshin Impact beta testing, but leakers remain unfazed

Despite delays with the Version 2.7's release, Genshin Impact's Version 2.8 beta test has proceeded on schedule—but new security measures could hinder leakers from revealing more than the bare minimum. A tweet by popular leaker @Ubatcha1 alleges that HoYoverse has added additional security measures in the Version 2.8 beta patch download. While details of the exact measures were not revealed, the leaker stated that HoYoverse will now be able to track which leakers are revealing information that they're contracted to keep top-secret.

HoYoverse has been struggling on a longstanding battle against Genshin Impact leakers. The once-hyped Version 1.5 update's beta test was canceled due to the onslaught of confidential information that came in its wake. The developer also made headlines shortly after Genshin Impact's release in 2021 after they filed lawsuits against seven leakers and Chinese social media platform BILIBILI, where most of the information was shared.

Related: Genshin Impact may introduce three new characters in Version 3.0, according to leak

The incident didn't faze Genshin's notorious leakers, who have taken to platforms like NGA, Discord, Twitter, and r/Genshin_Impact_Leaks to share beta testing and datamined information. While they've had to finesse their way out of lawsuits by hiding in-game usernames, resorting to text-based leaks, and more, they've kept the flow of information consistent for the past year and a half.

However, the new security measures could further cripple leakers' ability to rip information out of the beta testing server. Players speculate that HoYoverse might now start tracking users that take screenshots and gameplay videos, which could prompt the developer to go after these individuals. Despite the initial fears about the security upgrade, some leakers seem unfazed by it, as videos of upcoming character Shinanoin Heizou's gameplay have already circulated online.

It's not guaranteed that the new security measures are as simple as screen-tracking, as popular leaker @Dimbreath recently deactivated their Twitter account after sharing robust leaks about Shikanoin Heizou. It's currently unclear whether the deactivation was done for self-protection or if it was caused by a conflict with HoYoverse.

For now, the future of Genshin Impact leaks remains uncertain, especially as HoYoverse shows no signs of allowing information to flow out of the test servers anytime soon. Eager players may expect more phone-recorded gameplay videos and hand-drawn interpretations of leaks as leakers tiptoe their way around security.

Check out our guide on What is Heizou’s weapon, element vision, and more in Genshin Impact to learn more about the detective from the Tenryou Commission.