China's Tencent is gearing up to launch its acclaimed free-to-play MOBA title, Honor of Kings, on June 20 in Europe, Japan, and North America.
Developed by Tencent's TiMi Studio, Honor of Kings has become a household name in China since its inception in 2015. With over 200 million registered players and a staggering $15.6 billion in cumulative revenue from in-app purchases on China's App Store, the game is one of the country's most popular and profitable mobile games.
Tencent's renowned MOBA, Honor of Kings, launches globally on June 20, targeting Europe, Japan, and North America, amid China's gaming regulation challenges.Image via Tencent
Tencent's Honor of Kings Set for Global Release
Nikkei Asia reports that the decision to expand globally comes amid slowing domestic gaming growth in China, fueled by Beijing's stringent regulations on the gaming sector. Restrictions on teenagers' gaming time and efforts to curb excessive spending have prompted Tencent to seek new avenues for growth beyond its home market.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, a member of Tencent's gaming unit stressed the company's ambition to replicate the success of PUBG Mobile, its other global hit, which has generated over $10 billion in revenue since its launch in 2017.
While Tencent previously attempted to introduce Honor of Kings to international markets through games like Arena of Valor, the upcoming launch will mark the first time the game will be identical to its Chinese counterpart, featuring legendary Chinese heroes like Mulan, Cao Cao, and Diaochan.
To entice new regional players, Tencent offers pre-registration rewards, including a free hero, Ying, and various in-game items such as diamonds and skins. Upon its launch, the game will support 16 languages.
With its emphasis on teamwork and objective-focused gameplay, Honor of Kings has garnered a dedicated player base who appreciate its tactical depth and competitive nature. The game offers various modes, including classic 5v5 MOBA matches, 1v1 duels, and AI simulations, ensuring there's something for every type of player.
In addition to the game's launch, Tencent has announced plans for an esports tournament, the Invitational S2, to be held in Kuala Lumpur starting June 29. Teams from Southeast Asia, Brazil, Turkey, and other regions will compete for a share of the $300,000 prize pool.
TiMi Studio, the developer behind Honor of Kings, boasts an impressive track record with hit titles like Speed Drifters, Pokemon Unite, and Arena of Valor.
In Other News
Take-Two Interactive has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will be available in fall 2025. This update was included in the company's Q4 2024 earnings report, narrowing the previously broad release window to the 2025 calendar year.
Along with this announcement, Take-Two revealed that Grand Theft Auto V had reached 200 million copies sold.
