For global fans of the immensely popular open-world action RPG, keeping track of premiere times for major announcements can be a logistical nightmare. Conflicting time zones and unreliable information sources often lead to players missing the live broadcasts entirely. To eliminate this confusion, here is a definitive guide and countdown for the upcoming Genshin Impact 4.8 Special Program, ensuring no Traveler misses a moment of the new version preview.
The 4.8 Special Program, a key preview event for the game's next major update, will be simulcast globally in four different languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Each language stream will begin at the exact same coordinated time, meaning viewers must choose their preferred broadcast at the outset. A critical point for international audiences to note is that only the English-language stream will feature English subtitles or commentary. The Chinese (CN), Japanese (JP), and Korean (KR) versions will be broadcast solely in their native languages without additional subtitle support.
📺 Where to Watch: All Official Stream Links
To provide the best viewing experience, HoYoverse utilizes multiple platforms tailored to different regional audiences. Below is a complete breakdown of where to find each language stream.
English Version
The primary stream for English-speaking audiences will be hosted on the official Genshin Impact Twitch channel. Viewers do not require a Twitch account to simply watch the livestream; however, an account is necessary to participate in the live chat. The English broadcast is the recommended choice for players seeking immediate understanding of all announcements and developer commentary.
Chinese Version
The Chinese broadcast is streamed on the official Bilibili channel, the dominant video platform in China. While it lacks English subtitles, seasoned players often note that the CN stream occasionally features slightly faster information relay or exclusive on-screen graphics during key reveals. It is the go-to source for the original presentation as intended by the development team.
Japanese Version
A fan-favorite for its presentation, the Japanese stream is broadcast on the official Japanese YouTube channel. This version is particularly notable for frequently featuring popular Japanese voice actors from the game, who host segments and provide lively commentary. The production value and host interactions make it a unique viewing experience, albeit in Japanese only.
Korean Version
Completing the quartet of global broadcasts, the Korean version of the Special Program will be available on the official Genshin Impact Korean YouTube channel. This stream caters specifically to the large and passionate Korean player base, delivering all news and updates directly in Korean.
⏰ Key Considerations for Viewers in 2026
As of 2026, the structure of these Special Programs remains consistent, but the global audience has only grown. To ensure a seamless experience, players should keep the following points in mind:
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Language Choice is Final: You cannot switch between language streams mid-broadcast without missing content, as they are parallel, independent feeds.
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VOD Availability: All streams are typically archived as Videos on Demand (VODs) on their respective channels shortly after the live broadcast concludes. The English VOD on YouTube often includes added subtitles for accessibility.
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Community Hubs: For real-time translations and discussions during non-English streams, many community-run Discord servers and live translation threads on platforms like Reddit become active hubs.
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Prime Gaming & Drops: Watching the official stream on Twitch or YouTube may be linked to promotional campaigns, such as Twitch Drops or promotional codes for in-game rewards. Always check official social media channels for the latest participation details.
Ultimately, the excitement for a new version of Genshin Impact is a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you tune in for the clear English explanations, the original Chinese presentation, the star-powered Japanese hosting, or the dedicated Korean broadcast, the 4.8 Special Program promises to unveil new characters, events, regions, and gameplay mechanics that will define the next chapter of every Traveler's journey. Setting a reminder based on the official countdown is the final, crucial step to joining millions of fans in experiencing the reveal live.