ProZD's Genshin Impact Journey: From Fan Requests to Snezhnayan Merchant

As I wander through the ever-expanding world of Teyvat in 2026, I sometimes pause near the bustling markets of Liyue Harbor, remembering the first time I heard that familiar voice echoing through the merchant stalls. The poetic irony of Sungwon Cho's journey to Genshin Impact feels like a story scripted by the Archons themselves—a tale of persistent fan intuition finally validated by reality. Back in those early days of 2020, when the game was just beginning to capture hearts worldwide, players kept whispering to ProZD through social media: "Are you in this game?" Their collective ear had detected something special, something that wouldn't materialize until update 1.5 brought Krosl, the Snezhnayan merchant, to life. Talk about life imitating art—or in this case, fans predicting voice acting roles!

The Voice Behind the Screen: Who Is ProZD?

Let me paint you a picture with words. Sungwon Cho, known to millions as ProZD, isn't just another content creator—he's a virtuoso of vocal versatility. His YouTube channel became a sanctuary for anime and gaming enthusiasts, a place where comedy skits transformed into masterclasses of character voicing. What makes his work so darn special? He doesn't just voice characters; he breathes entire universes into existence through tone, timing, and that magical quality I can only describe as "emotional resonance."

His professional journey reads like an anime protagonist's resume:

• Mitsuo Yasumura in Yakuza: Like a Dragon – bringing gritty realism to the streets of Yokohama

• Misedor in Disgaea 6 – injecting humor into the netherworld

• Countless anime roles that made fans go "Wait, that was HIM?"

But here's the kicker: despite this impressive portfolio, Genshin Impact players sensed his presence in Teyvat before it was officially confirmed. Spooky, right? Like some kind of vocal déjà vu.

The Genshin Connection: Krosl of Snezhnaya

When update 1.5 dropped in April 2021, it brought more than just the Serenitea Pot housing system—it brought closure to months of speculation. ProZD finally stepped into Teyvat as Krosl, a merchant from the frosty nation of Snezhnaya. This wasn't just a cameo; this was a meaningful role tied to one of the update's central features. Players needed to interact with Krosl to unlock their personal pocket dimension, making ProZD's voice the gateway to creative expression within the game.

What strikes me as particularly poetic is the timing. ProZD had tweeted about the fan inquiries back in October 2020, almost like planting a seed that would blossom six months later. The community's intuition was validated, creating this beautiful full-circle moment that still gives me chills thinking about it in 2026.

The Voice Acting Landscape: Then vs Now

Let's rewind to those early Genshin Impact days, shall I? The contrast between then and now is nothing short of dramatic:

Aspect	2020 Launch Period	2026 Present Day
Voice Cast Reveals	Japanese VAs revealed immediately; English cast revealed weeks later	Simultaneous global announcements for all language casts
Community Engagement	Limited interaction between VAs and players	Regular live streams, behind-the-scenes content, and VA-hosted events
Role Significance	Mostly main characters received spotlight	Even NPCs like Krosl get recognition and fan appreciation

Back in the beginning, miHoYo (now HoYoverse) prioritized revealing Japanese voice actors first—a smart move considering Genshin Impact's anime aesthetic and the importance of seiyuu culture in Japanese media marketing. The English cast remained somewhat mysterious initially, which probably contributed to those "Is that ProZD?" whispers circulating through the community.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has transformed completely. Whenever Zhongli drops another earth-shattering quote or Raiden Shogun contemplates eternity, we immediately know the talented voices behind them in every supported language. The transparency has created deeper connections between players and the artists who give life to their favorite characters.

Personal Reflections: Why This Matters

I'll be real with you—English isn't my first language, and I haven't regularly watched English anime dubs in what feels like eons. But here's the tea: ProZD's work transcends language barriers. There's a universal quality to his performances that speaks directly to the heart of gaming and anime culture. His comedic timing? Chef's kiss 👌. His emotional range? Absolutely phenomenal.

What makes his inclusion in Genshin Impact so significant isn't just the "celebrity voice actor" factor—it's about recognizing talent that the community had already identified and celebrated. It's about HoYoverse listening to those subtle murmurs and responding in the most delightful way possible. In a world where games often feel like products rather than passions, these connections between creators and communities matter more than ever.

The Legacy Continues

As I tend to my Serenitea Pot in 2026—now expanded with multiple floating islands and customizable ecosystems—I sometimes replay those early Krosl interactions just to hear that voice again. The housing system that ProZD's character helped introduce has grown into one of Genshin Impact's most beloved features, a testament to how seemingly minor roles can be connected to major gameplay innovations.

Looking back from our 2026 perspective, ProZD's journey with Genshin Impact represents something beautiful about modern gaming culture:

1. Community intuition – Players recognizing talent before official announcements

2. Developer responsiveness – HoYoverse incorporating community-beloved talent into their world

3. The blurring lines – Between content creators, voice actors, and gaming personalities

4. Lasting impact – Even years later, these moments remain meaningful touchstones

So here's to Krosl, to ProZD, and to all the voices—both literal and metaphorical—that make Teyvat feel like home. In a game about traveling through nations and seeking answers from gods, sometimes the most human moments come from a merchant's stall, voiced by someone whose talent was recognized by the people long before the official credits rolled. And that, my friends, is what I call poetic justice in the world of gaming.