Tencent, the tech behemoth behind Honor of Kings, has announced a significant esports partnership program to bolster the game's fledgling international competitive scene. The program includes key partners Rex Regum Qeon (Southeast Asia), Isurus (Latin America), and Fut Esports (Türkiye), with more partners to be announced soon.
Tencent's commitment to Honor of Kings' esports scene is a clear indication of the company's ambitions to establish the game as a global esports powerhouse. With over $15 million already invested, Tencent is pulling out all the stops to challenge the dominance of League of Legends, its chief competitor in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre.
The esports partnership program provides partner teams with invite priority, promotional support, and a range of other benefits that will aid their growth and development. Tencent has also hinted that the program will continue to evolve and expand over time.
Tencent's financial muscle is a major factor in its ability to support Honor of Kings' esports ambitions. The company has deep pockets and a proven track record of investing heavily in its products. This gives it a significant advantage over smaller competitors who may not have the resources to match Tencent's investment.
However, some industry observers have questioned whether this approach of "skipping over" organic growth in the competitive scene is wise. They argue that it may create a situation where only teams with close ties to Tencent can succeed, stifling competition and innovation in the long run.
Despite these concerns, it is undeniable that Tencent's investment is a major boost to Honor of Kings' esports scene. The game now has the financial backing and infrastructure to compete with the likes of League of Legends, and it will be fascinating to see how the scene develops in the coming years.
In the meantime, while we wait for Honor of King's upcoming international release, there are plenty of other great mobile games to enjoy. Be sure to check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) for a wide selection of games to suit every taste.
