Last month, Level Infinite, the global publishing arm of Tencent Games, announced that it would launch the highly anticipated MOBA mobile game Honor of Kings worldwide by the end of this year. As expected, the first round of alpha testing kicked off on July 13 in Mexico, sparking a wave of curiosity and excitement among players around the world.
According to reports from the community, future test phases may also include countries like Brazil, Turkey, and Egypt. On platforms like YouTube and Reddit, guides on how to switch regions and access the Mexican servers are going viral—proof of just how eager the international gaming community is to dive into this title.
First Impressions: Familiar Gameplay, Thoughtful Localization
While Honor of Kings is making its global debut, this isn’t Tencent’s first attempt to bring its MOBA titles overseas. Back in 2016, the company released Arena of Valor (AoV)—a localized MOBA developed by TiMi Studio Group—which found moderate success in Western markets.
In contrast, Honor of Kings is a direct adaptation of China’s King of Glory, one of the country’s most popular and culturally significant mobile games. The global version sticks closely to the core gameplay, visuals, and overall design of the original, while making key localization changes to better fit an international audience.
For instance, most heroes retain their original Chinese names written in pinyin (e.g., Hou Yi, Dian Wei, Da Ji), though a few, like Wu Yen , use more recognizable romanized forms. The decision to keep the names authentic suggests a strong respect for the game’s Chinese roots.
The UI, controls, and overall feel remain very familiar to anyone who has played MOBAs before: dual joystick control scheme, classic ability buttons, and widely accepted terminology like Flash, Heal, and Recall. This makes it very easy for new players to get into the game, even if they’ve never touched the Chinese version.
Updated Mechanics, but Not a Full Hero Roster (Yet)
One of the major concerns international players had was whether Honor of Kings would be a stripped-down version of the Chinese original. Fortunately, this isn't the case.
Mechanics like turret damage reduction during the early minutes, lane-specific gold bonuses, and auto-targeting assist have all been preserved. These small but significant features help maintain game balance and pacing, just as they do in the Chinese version.
Currently, the test version includes 63 playable heroes, compared to over 110 heroes available in the Chinese version. That said, the hero pool is diverse and includes iconic figures like Mai Shiranui, Nakoruru, and Ukyo Tachibana—licensed characters from SNK’s Samurai Shodown series.
There are some notable differences, though. Certain heroes have been reworked or replaced. For example, Zhu Bajie and Niu Mo Wang from the Chinese version are now represented as Ata and Lumburr, likely due to their culturally specific backstories. Also, some character designs have been visually adjusted. Xiao Qiao, for instance, looks more like a tall, fashionable young woman in this version, compared to her more petite, anime-inspired look in the original.
These subtle redesigns suggest a careful balancing act—maintaining the game’s original charm while adapting to global aesthetic preferences.
Setting the Stage for Global Esports
From my perspective as a long-time gamer and esports enthusiast, it’s clear that Honor of Kings is more than just a game—it’s part of Tencent’s bigger plan to globalize its MOBA esports ecosystem.
MOBA titles are uniquely suited for esports due to their strategic depth and top-down spectator-friendly view. Games like League of Legends and Dota 2 have set the gold standard for international competitions. Meanwhile, Honor of Kings has built a thriving professional scene in China, with its KPL league attracting millions of viewers.
Bringing the game to a global audience not only expands the player base but also opens the door to cross-regional competitions, a shared meta, and potentially a unified esports league—something that could fundamentally reshape the global MOBA landscape.
A Cultural Statement: Featuring Yun Ying as the Face of the Game
Interestingly, unlike the Chinese version which always used Arthur —a Western-style knight—as its main promotional figure, the global test version of Honor of Kings features Yun Ying, a female warrior from the Tang Dynasty, as its cover hero.
With her long spear, bold personality, and distinctly Chinese visual design, Yun Ying serves as a strong cultural symbol. This deliberate shift from Western to Chinese heroic imagery seems to reflect Tencent’s intent to present authentic Chinese storytelling to a global audience—not through mythology or history textbooks, but through highly accessible digital entertainment.
A Promising Global Debut for a Chinese Titan
While Honor of Kings is still in early testing, the first impressions are strong. The localization is well-executed, the gameplay is polished, and the cultural elements are both respectful and intentional.
If you’re a fan of MOBAs like LoL: Wild Rift or Mobile Legends, and you’re looking for something fresh yet familiar—with a distinct Eastern flavor—Honor of Kings is absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
As the game rolls out to more countries in the coming months, one question remains: Can a mobile game deeply rooted in Chinese culture become a global esports phenomenon? Judging by this early alpha test, the answer might just be yes.
