Cai Haoyu: miHoYo CoFounder and AI Innovator | Generated by AI
Question: What is the story of Cai Haoyu, co-founder of Genshin Impact’s developer miHoYo?
Answer: Cai Haoyu (蔡浩宇, born July 29, 1987), often called “Hugh Tsai,” is a Chinese entrepreneur, video game producer, and AI innovator. He is one of the three co-founders of Shanghai-based miHoYo (rebranded internationally as HoYoverse), creators of massive hits like Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, and Honkai: Star Rail. As of late 2025, his net worth is estimated at around $6-10 billion, making him one of China’s richest individuals and the “richest man in Jinan.”
Early Life and Genius Beginnings
Born in Jinan, Shandong, to parents who taught computer science, Cai showed prodigious talent from childhood:
- At age 5, he independently accessed and played computer games.
- By 7, he owned a PC-386 (advanced for 1994 China).
- Won national youth computer animation awards in 1995-1998 (e.g., second place for Alien Messenger).
- At 11, became the only computing “little academician” in China’s Junior Academy of Sciences.
- Preserved into Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) via physics competitions; studied computer science, earning a master’s.
A lifelong ACG (anime, comics, games) otaku and Evangelion fan, he self-identified as a “tech otaku.”
Founding miHoYo: From Dorm Room to Global Empire
In 2011, during grad school at SJTU, Cai teamed with classmates Liu Wei (“Da Wei”) and Luo Yuhao—sharing tech skills and ACG passion—to start miHoYo in their Minhang campus dorm (D32).
- Company name: “mi” (mobile internet) + “HoYo” (from their initials H + Y, with extra “o”s mimicking Google/Facebook).
- Slogan: “Tech Otakus Save the World.”
- Early wins: Developed Fly Me 2 the Moon (iOS tower defense, 2011); self-built MISATO engine (named after Evangelion’s Misato); Boshi Monogatari won contests, netting prizes and offers (declined to go indie).
They bootstrapped with contest winnings (e.g., 20万 RMB silver award). Key releases:
- Honkai Gakuen series (2011-2016): Flash/mobile action games.
- Honkai Impact 3rd (2016): Broke miHoYo out globally.
- Genshin Impact (2020): Cai as producer; open-world gacha RPG grossed $5B+ by 2024, propelling miHoYo to unicorn status (revenue ~$4.2B in 2023).
Cai handled R&D/strategy; Liu operations; Luo products. Known for perfectionism (e.g., 70% of early budget on design) and bluntness (“Love it or leave it, meow!”—earning “Cai Meow” nickname). miHoYo grew to 6-7K employees.
Stepping Down and AI Pivot
In September 2023, Cai resigned as miHoYo chairman/legal rep (Liu succeeded), citing focus on “cutting-edge R&D” and overseas ops. Remained largest shareholder (~41%). Relocated (Singapore/California).
- Founded Anuttacon (2024, California/Singapore): AI gaming studio with ex-miHoYo staff.
- Debut: Whispers from the Star (2025, Steam): Voice-driven AI adventure where player chats guide a stranded astronaut (Stella); tests real-time emotional AI.
- Controversial LinkedIn post (2024): Predicted AIGC (AI-generated content) will obsolete “average” devs.
- Linked to HoYoverse projects? Rumors tie him to UE5 titles like Varsapura (open-world city, SEAL team demo 2025) as spiritual successor to canceled Project SH.
As of December 2025, Cai’s “back” innovating AI-interactive media, blending his otaku roots with tech ambition. miHoYo thrives under Liu, but Cai’s vision drives next-gen gaming.
References:
- miHoYo Founding Journey (Naavik)
- Cai Haoyu Profile (Forbes)
- Cai Haoyu Wiki (MiHoYo Fandom)
- miHoYo History (Zhihu)
- Recent AI Ventures (KR-Asia)
- Stepping Down (Wikipedia)
- Anuttacon Game (Bloomberg)