Working for the company behind global mega-hits sounds like a dream job for many, but the reality of the workplace can sometimes take quite bitter turns. An image that started circulating widely on international platforms sparked intense discussion after a supposed former employee revealed they were let go simply for not responding to a message sent late at night.

According to the screenshot attributed to the former staff, the company’s justification for processing their termination stated bluntly: anyone who cannot be reached at all times simply doesn’t fit the corporate culture. Although the image doesn’t include names, dates, or contracts to fully verify its authenticity, the post directly identified the Chinese company responsible for massive titles, also noting that salaries in its Japanese division remain below six million yen annually for production and marketing positions.

Of course, neither the developer nor its global brand has issued an official statement to confirm or deny the case’s authenticity. However, the topic quickly escalated into a debate about work boundaries. While some argued that requiring nighttime phone availability should legally count as paid work time, others pointed out that being recorded as a termination by the company offers better terms for unemployment insurance than a voluntary resignation. Although the company has punished cases of misconduct and internal violations in the past, the dilemma over marathon work hours outside office hours is back under scrutiny.

Developed and distributed by miHoYo (operating globally under the label HoYoverse), Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action RPG that revolutionized the market since its launch in September 2020. The Chinese company has solidified itself as one of the most profitable giants in the digital entertainment industry, expanding its catalog with massive productions like Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero.

Do you think it’s fair for a company to demand availability at any time of night?