Honor of Kings is likely one of the most-played video games worldwide. At present solely out there in China, the sport has nonetheless managed to amass greater than 100 million each day gamers, per Tencent. Now, the sport goes to be launched globally in phases throughout completely different areas in 2024. Forward of the phased launch, the developer has revealed the esports plans for Honor of Kings in 2024.
Honor of Kings already has a developed esports scene in China with quite a few high-stakes Skilled Leagues happening as LAN occasions. The earlier season of the King Professional League (KPL) from June to September 2023 had a prize pool of greater than $2.5 million alone. The Worldwide Championship (KIC), alternatively, had a prize pool of $10 million. This is a sign of the recognition of the sport within the nation. Tencent needs to carry this reputation to different areas as effectively. Thus, it has pledged $15 million to the worldwide esports ecosystem in 2024 alone.
Picture Credit: Degree Infinite
“On the core of our ecosystem, we will likely be specializing in you, the participant, and groups around the globe,” stated Jan M. Jahnke, the lead for international esports product at Degree Infinite, who’s the writer for the sport.
Tencent reveals 4 international Honor of Kings Esports tournaments
As the sport releases in a phased method, Tencent has stated that it is going to be bringing native tournaments in numerous areas. For the areas that don’t get a particular product, there will likely be different methods for them to take part within the international ecosystem.
At present, 4 international tournaments have been revealed beginning with the Honor of Kings Invitational Collection. The primary season will happen in March 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. This will likely be adopted by the second season of the Invitational Collection, particulars for which haven’t been revealed but.
Picture Credit: Degree Infinite
In the summertime, Tencent will likely be bringing the Honor of Kings Mid-Season Invitational. This new international match will function a prize pool of $1 million. The 12 months will culminate with the Honor of Kings Championship Invitational. Each of those tournaments will likely be LAN occasions with groups from completely different areas, together with China.
Can the sport rival MLBB?
When speaking in regards to the international cellular MOBA scene, there is just one sport that occupies that spot. That is MOONTON’s Cell Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), which even managed to counter the rising reputation of Riot’s League of Legends: Wild Rift.
An Honor of Kings international model has been within the works for some time now and the delayed launch has actually been helpful for MOONTON. The developer has been investing considerably in different areas like North America and the Center East earlier than the discharge of Honor of Kings. It has already managed to construct a base for itself in these areas.
Nonetheless, the $15 million international funding into esports is a giant transfer from Tencent. For MOBA video games, having a strong esports scene is important for pulling gamers and conserving energetic ones engaged. Thus, the dedication to constructing a world roadmap with frequent worldwide occasions does come as a constructive signal for Honor of Kings.
Picture Credit: Degree Infinite
Moreover, Tencent has the added expertise of rising a sport like PUBG Cell from scratch. Now, the battle royale title is likely one of the hottest esports titles worldwide.
