Valorant Mobile has secured approval from the Chinese government for its launch in the country. The news was brought forth through an X post by user subzidite2, the APAC Wiki Manager for Liquipedia. The approval marks a crucial step forward for the launch of the mobile variant of the game in China, as well as globally.
Valorant Mobile: The Significance of Chinese Approval
The post read, “BREAKING: VALORANT MOBILE GOT APPROVED IN CHINA”. Subzidite2 elaborated that this approval came through the 2nd China Import batch by the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), specifically mentioning entry 13: “无畏契约：源能行动” or “VALORANT: Operation Primal” under the category “MOBILE.”
The approval of non-domestic games in China is notoriously challenging, as subzidite2 pointed out. “Approvals are given only 2-3 batches per year, if you’re importing a game,” he explained. This makes the approval for the game particularly noteworthy. Unlike games developed fully within China, which can be approved monthly under the domestic category, imported games face stringent regulations and limited approval windows.
The approval of Valorant Mobile in China suggests that the official launch may be imminent, not just in China but globally. This would be a significant step for Riot Games as they expand the game franchise beyond PC gaming. The mobile gaming market, particularly in Asia, is enormous, and gaining access to it can significantly boost the game’s reach and profitability.
Riot Games first announced Valorant Mobile in June 2021 during the one-year anniversary of the PC version of the game. Despite the initial excitement, updates on the game have been sparse. Previously, Anna Donlon, the studio head for Valorant at Riot Games, acknowledged the difficulties in the game’s development in an interview. She described the process as “incredibly challenging” and admitted that it has been “slower than expected.”
Throughout this period, a few leaked gameplay videos of the Chinese test variant surfaced on the internet. These leaks kept the anticipation alive among fans but did not provide any official confirmation from Riot Games.
Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Also, follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.
