The much-anticipated open-world RPG spin-off from Tencent's mega-hit MOBA, Honor of Kings: World, has now received the green light from Chinese regulators. This approval came as part of the first batch of new game releases sanctioned for 2025, a crucial step given that all games in China must undergo regulatory approval before they can be launched.
As the name suggests, Honor of Kings: World promises to broaden the horizons of the existing Honor of Kings universe by offering players the chance to delve into an expansive open world. The game made a significant impression during its showcase alongside the upcoming iPhone 16, where its stunning graphics and immersive open-world gameplay were highlighted.
You're likely no stranger to Honor of Kings, given its status as one of the globe's premier MOBAs. Originally limited to China and select Asian countries, it outgrew even Riot Games' iconic League of Legends in popularity. Now, Honor of Kings: World might just be the perfect introduction for those yet to be convinced by the MOBA genre.
A world away
While this news might not appear monumental at first glance, it's significant in the context of the gaming industry in China. A few years back, the country experienced a licensing 'freeze' that severely impacted game development and publishing. The subsequent thaw led to a rush of new releases, which has been closely watched globally as an indicator of when we can expect new titles to hit the market. According to the South China Morning Post, this month's approvals outstrip the highest monthly totals from last year.
With this surge in approvals, are we on the brink of an avalanche of new games from China in 2025? Will some titles be overshadowed by others? Only time will tell, so keep an eye out for more updates.
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