On August 19, 2025, Tencent Holdings’ Valorant Mobile made an impressive debut in China, generating $1 million in gross player spending on iPhones within its first 24 hours, according to Sensor Tower data. The launch, supported by a $200 million investment from Tencent and Riot Games for esports, marks a significant milestone for the popular first-person shooter’s mobile expansion.
Developed by Riot Games and Tencent’s Lightspeed Studios, Valorant Mobile launched with 18 agents, seven maps, and 10 game modes, attracting over 60 million pre-registrations. The game’s strong performance on iOS reflects China’s massive mobile gaming market, where Valorant PC already holds the title of the country’s top PC game, per Tencent’s Q2 2024 earnings. The mobile version’s success underscores Tencent’s strategy to capitalise on its 4.84 billion yuan ($680 million) domestic games revenue.
Tencent Holdings’s Valorant made a strong debut on mobile this week, earning $1 million in gross player spending on iPhones on its first day out in China https://t.co/eypt0YhGwS
— Bloomberg (@business) August 21, 2025Tencent and Riot Games have committed $200 million over three years to build a robust Valorant Mobile esports ecosystem in China, managed by their joint venture, TJ Sports. Features like a replay system and real-time cheat detection enhance competitive integrity. The game’s 120 FPS support and strong anti-cheat measures have further fueled its appeal, positioning it to rival titles like PUBG Mobile.
Tacticduck will lead you to battle. here is your S25A5 Battlepass. pic.twitter.com/Gt4H6PMCSM
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) August 20, 2025While Valorant Mobile thrives in China, its global release date remains unconfirmed, with Riot focusing on a successful rollout in this key market. The game’s launch follows Valorant PC’s success in China since 2023, driven by high retention rates and a passionate player base, as noted by Tencent’s James Mitchell. However, geopolitical tensions, including U.S. export restrictions, could impact Tencent’s broader strategy.
With over 60 million pre-registrations and a strong debut, Valorant Mobile is poised to dominate China’s mobile gaming landscape. Its esports roadmap, including a national circuit in Q4 2025, signals Tencent’s ambition to make it a global esports titan. Fans await updates on its international rollout.
