Valorant Launched In China: 3 Key TakeWays From It For Esports

Valorant, Riot Games’ popular first-person shooter, has made its official debut in China, marking a significant milestone in the game’s global expansion. With its polished mix of hero-based mechanics and strategic gunplay, Valorant has already proven to be a formidable competitor in the world of esports. Now, with its entry into the largest esports market, there are several key takeaways to consider for the future of Valorant as an Esports and the broader Chinese esports industry.

A Boost to Valorant’s Global Esports Ecosystem

With the launch of Valorant in China, the game’s global esports ecosystem is set to receive a significant boost. The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), Riot’s flagship esports circuit, already spans three comprehensive regions – Americas, EMEA, and Pacific. The inclusion of China in the VCT by 2024 is a promising step towards further expanding the competitive landscape and engaging a massive player base. Moreover, Valorant’s arrival coincides with the departure of Overwatch from the Chinese market, presenting an opportunity for Valorant to flourish and potentially fill the void left by its competitor.

Investment in the Chinese Esports Market

China boasts the world’s largest esports market, making it a strategic move for Riot Games to invest heavily in Valorant’s esports ecosystem in the country. The commitment to spend RMB 1 billion (~£107 million) over the next three years signals Riot’s dedication to solidifying Valorant’s presence in China and tapping into the enormous potential of the Chinese esports fanbase. With the support of Tencent’s vast user base, Valorant’s already global esports audience can expect a significant increase in Chinese viewership and engagement.

A New Opportunity for FPS Esports in China

While there has been a demand for FPS esports titles in China, domestic teams have faced challenges competing at the highest level in mainstream FPS games on PC. With the introduction of Valorant, there is renewed excitement for the FPS genre, with the game’s excellent quality and robust ecosystem capturing the attention of Chinese fans. The Chinese Valorant client’s built-in focus on esports, featuring dedicated tabs for highlights, match schedules, and team information, further enhances the game’s appeal and potential for success in the region.

Valorant’s launch in China represents a momentous occasion for both the game itself and the Chinese esports industry. As Valorant integrates into the Chinese market and esports ecosystem, its popularity is expected to surge even further, potentially establishing itself as a mainstay title in the FPS genre on PC. 

The positive reception and high viewership during the launch week demonstrate the game’s immediate appeal to Chinese players and spectators alike. With Riot Games’ commitment to investing in the Chinese esports market and the game’s growing global audience, Valorant’s future as a top-tier esports title appears bright and promising.

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