Valorant Mobile, a game developed by Tencent in collaboration with Riot Games (who provided the IP), has absolutely exploded in China, cementing its place as the country’s most successful mobile launch of 2025. With the entire Valorant franchise now boasting over 50 million monthly active users, Valorant Mobile alone achieved more daily active users and gross receipts in its first month than any other Chinese mobile release this year.

For the uninitiated, Valorant is a high-stakes 5v5 character-based tactical shooter, blending precise gunplay with unique agent abilities. Think Counter-Strike meets Overwatch, but on your phone. Its popularity in China stems from a perfect storm: the established legacy of its PC counterpart, the competitive thrill of esports, and a vibrant cast of characters that resonate with players. Tencent’s marketing prowess and deep understanding of the Chinese market have clearly amplified its reach. The introduction of esports-themed weapons further fueled engagement, showing a keen awareness of what drives the player base.

This meteoric rise isn’t a standalone event. It highlights a broader, undeniable trend that highlights that mobile gaming in China is not something to be ignored. With a massive smartphone penetration, a robust internet infrastructure, and a culture that embraces digital entertainment, mobile platforms offer accessible, high-quality gaming experiences to hundreds of millions. From casual commutes to intense esports, mobile games provide an immersive and often social escape, making global titles like Valorant Mobile as big is it is.

Cover image via Esports Insider.