Billionaire Profile
Cai Haoyu
Global Rank
#696

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Cai Haoyu

CEO, Mobile games
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$6B
Estimated based on Mobile games stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
38
Source
Mobile games
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Cai Haoyu, born in 1987, is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur, video game producer, and AI innovator. He is best known as the co-founder of miHoYo, the company behind the global hit *Genshin Impact*. Cai's net worth is estimated at $6.0 billion (as of Forbes, March 10, 2026). His wealth source stems from his significant stake in miHoYo. Cai Haoyu's career is marked by his early interest in computers, leading him to study computer science at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He co-founded miHoYo in 2011, and the company achieved remarkable success with *Genshin Impact*, generating billions in revenue. In 2023, he stepped down as miHoYo chairman to focus on research and development, and in 2024, he founded the AI startup Anuttacon.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Cai Haoyu was born on July 29, 1987, in Jinan, Shandong province, China. His father was a professor at Shandong Jiaotong University, and his mother was a teacher. From a young age, Cai showed a strong interest in computers and video games. He attended Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he earned degrees in computer science. It was during his university years that he met Liu Wei and Luo Yuhao, with whom he co-founded miHoYo.

Rise to Success

In 2011, Cai Haoyu co-founded miHoYo. miHoYo's early projects showcased a commitment to high-quality visuals, immersive storytelling, and innovative gameplay. The breakthrough came with the release of *Genshin Impact* in September 2020. The game generated over $5 billion in revenue by 2024 and attracted over 60 million active players worldwide. Cai Haoyu's leadership propelled miHoYo to become one of China's leading game studios.

Key Business Strategies

miHoYo focused on anime-inspired, high-quality open-world games. The success of *Genshin Impact* was unprecedented, and the game quickly achieved success in both domestic and international markets. miHoYo also diversified its output, creating various products such as animated series, novels, comics, music, and merchandise.

Philanthropy

Under Cai Haoyu's leadership, miHoYo has undertaken several philanthropic initiatives, focusing on education and youth development in China. In 2021, miHoYo partnered with the Chinese Youth Development Foundation to launch the Flamescion Public Welfare Project, which funded the construction of a new school building in Yunnan Province.

Career Milestones

2011

Co-founded miHoYo

Co-founded Shanghai-based video game developer miHoYo with Liu Wei and Luo Yuhao.

2020

Genshin Impact Launch

Launched Genshin Impact, which became a global success.

2023

Stepped Down as Chairman

Stepped down as miHoYo chairman to focus on research and development.

2024

Founded Anuttacon

Founded Anuttacon, a California-based AI startup.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Flamescion Public Welfare Project

$XB

Funded the construction of a new school building at Tongzi Primary School in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, China

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""We strive to create a more immersive gaming world.""

Leadership Principles

Emphasis on innovation

miHoYo actively invests in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, VR, and brain-computer interfaces.

Commitment to Tech

Believes that tech enthusiasts can change the real world through the power of technology.

Focus on content creation

Cai focuses on telling a good story and creating good content. Games are just a carrier of content.