I mean its a f2p game...how else will they make money without some kinda lootbox/gambling mechanism. Its not even the 5 star heros that cost the most money its leveling them to if you in a hurry to get to the end of the end game. To me this games story is good, the graphics are nice, the elemental mix up game play is fun, the voice acting and sound are both good. I was not expecting this at all for free, this is easily a 30.00 game (or so, haven't gone more then 20 hours so far) that you get for free, that you can play for free and still get to the end game. Their isn't really (that I can tell anyway) a multiplayer VS, and I dont see a pay 2 win system unless you are rushing the game just to rush it. They already mapped out content for months and made enough money the first week that unless they blow it majorily they will keep giving you content. Hell you get free stuff for them doing server MAINTENANCE!
There are cons of course, the resin system that is what the end game revolves around needs work (which according to everything they are saying they are working on), but early-mid-midlate game are all great times without spending a dime. I am not at a high enough level to say anything about end game, but I can say that I haven't spent any money I have 6 chars 3 are 5 stars, I ascended 2 of them and maxed the rest (they are ready for ascension but they need the mats which I haven't bothered to farm because I am enjoying the story. At the end of the day, paying nothing for 20 hours of fun is a no brainer, even if I have to pay 50.00 to get past the very end I am happy to do so, assuming I already poured 50-70 hours into it. My value prop is basically if I am getting hours of fun for free, or even very little money I have no issue. It doesn't look or feel like a mobile game, and it cross saves from phone to pc. It apparently does with PS4 as well but I never tried it.
I was ready to hate it especially after the BOTW presentation I saw before it came out, but I dont have a complaint about it. Its free, play it, if you hate it no biggie, if not well new game to play.
AND LOL at that clickbait video "Genshin impact will damage gaming forever", uh its not the first gatcha game ever to to come out, and the SIMS charges you like 20-40.00 an expansion pack and they have like a baziilion of them. Microtransaction have been a thing, at least in this game you get a full game without paying any money. They time gate in WoW they time gate in a ton of games, that video was just a little bit to off base for me to take seriously.
No game will "damage" gaming forever. There is always going to be hardcore elitist gamers, and weebo anime newbs, and casual mobile dorks. No game is one size fits all, but gaming as a whole can be with the right game for the right person.
EDIT: after going through that channel "upper echelon gamers" it screams edgy and full of hate.