The Rise of Honor of Kings: From China’s Backyard to the World Stage

If someone had told me back in 2015 that a mobile MOBA would dominate the gaming world—breaking records, setting trends, and transforming how we saw competitive gaming—I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Back then, PC ruled the esports realm, and mobile games were often brushed off as “casual.” But in the heart of China, something revolutionary was quietly brewing. That game was Honor of Kings—or as the Chinese call it, 王者荣耀 (Wángzhě Róngyào).

Fast forward to today, and Honor of Kings (HOK) has become more than just a game. It’s a cultural phenomenon, an esports titan, and one of the highest-grossing games in the world. This is the story of how HOK rose from humble beginnings to global dominance.

Humble Origins: The Tencent Experiment

Let’s go back to the mid-2010s. Tencent, already a tech and gaming giant in China, had successfully acquired Riot Games, the studio behind League of Legends. But there was a challenge.

While League of Legends was thriving on PC, Tencent foresaw a different future: mobile-first gaming. With China’s massive smartphone user base and limited access to high-spec PCs, they believed the next big frontier was mobile esports.

Their solution? Create a mobile MOBA inspired by League—but tailored for shorter, touch-based gameplay. And so, in 2015, Honor of Kings was born.

Interestingly, the first version of the game was met with skepticism—even within Tencent. Would Chinese gamers really switch from PC to mobile for such a complex genre? Could the fast-paced, strategic essence of MOBAs be replicated on a phone screen?

Spoiler: Yes, and yes.

Cultural Appeal: Heroes Reimagined

One of the smartest moves Tencent made was building the game around Chinese historical and mythological figures. Think Sun Wukong (The Monkey King), Mulan, and other legendary warriors from Chinese folklore. Instead of fantasy champions or sci-fi soldiers, players were controlling icons rooted in their own culture.

This wasn’t just fan service—it was cultural pride in action. Players felt connected, even invested, in these reimagined heroes. Add stunning artwork, tight controls, and fast-paced 5v5 battles that could wrap up in 15–20 minutes, and you had a winning formula.

Skyrocketing Success: Becoming China’s #1 Game

By 2017, HOK had become a juggernaut. Tencent reported that the game had over 50 million daily active users and more than 200 million registered accounts—in China alone.

That same year, it overtook all competition to become the highest-grossing mobile game globally. In-app purchases boomed, skins became fashion statements, and even casual gamers were getting pulled into the competitive scene.

But with great success came unexpected controversy.

Backlash and Balance: The Youth Debate

At one point, HOK was too popular. Chinese media began reporting stories of children playing the game excessively—some spending entire nights glued to their phones. Critics labeled the game “digital opium,” and parents expressed growing concern.

In response, Tencent introduced age restrictions, playtime limits, and real-name authentication systems to prevent underage addiction. It was one of the first times a gaming company in China had to publicly self-regulate due to government and parental pressure.

While the decision was a PR challenge, it showed how powerful HOK had become—it was no longer just a game. It was a force shaping youth culture.

Esports Explosion: The KPL Era

As the player base grew, so did the competitive scene. Enter: King Pro League (KPL), Tencent’s official esports league for HOK.

The KPL wasn’t just your typical tournament—it was a full-fledged sports league, complete with city-based teams, celebrity endorsements, and broadcast partnerships. Imagine NBA-style production, but for a mobile game.

Players like eStarPro's Cat and AG SuperPlay's Fly became esports celebrities, and fans would flock to arenas wearing jerseys and waving light sticks. In China, KPL became a mainstream event, rivaling traditional sports in viewership.

Global Expansion: Enter Arena of Valor

With China locked down, Tencent set its sights on the rest of the world. But there was a hiccup: cultural differences.

To make the game more appealing internationally, Tencent rebranded HOK as Arena of Valor (AOV) and introduced more Western-style heroes. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman—suddenly, the battlefield was packed with DC legends.

AOV launched in Europe, Southeast Asia, and even the Americas. While it didn’t quite replicate HOK’s success in China, it carved out its own niche. In fact, it became especially popular in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines—where mobile esports was just beginning to boom.

Rebranding, Relaunching: Honor of Kings Goes Global

In 2023, Tencent made a bold move: instead of pushing Arena of Valor further, they decided to launch the original HOK globally—with proper localization but the same core game.

This meant international players could finally experience the real HOK, with its Chinese art style, deep lore, and original hero pool.

To support the global launch, Tencent announced new esports tournaments, global servers, and partnerships with influencers and content creators worldwide.

By 2024, Honor of Kings Global was making waves in South America, the Middle East, and yes—in the Philippines too. Local streamers began showcasing their builds, Filipino teams joined international scrims, and HOK Global became a trending topic across gaming communities.

What Makes HOK So Addictive?

In my own experience—after downloading the global version and playing it for weeks—it’s the blend of accessibility and depth. Here’s why:

✅ Short matches: 15–20 minutes
✅ Smooth controls: Surprisingly intuitive on mobile
✅ Hero balance: Diverse roles and constant updates
✅ Cultural richness: Each hero has a story
✅ Esports-ready: Ranked matches feel serious but fun

It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual gamer or a competitive MOBA junkie—HOK has that “just one more game” pull that keeps you hooked.

From Controversy to Glory: The Legacy of HOK

The story of Honor of Kings is a story of vision, risk, and reinvention.

• Tencent took a chance on mobile gaming when the world laughed.

• They embraced their cultural roots when others chased trends.

• They built a game that not only dominated financially but reshaped how mobile games are perceived.

HOK is not just a game. It’s a blueprint for future mobile titles. It proved that mobile gaming could be competitive, artistic, and meaningful all at once.

Will the Philippines Embrace HOK?

The signs are already there. Local content creators are streaming it. Shopee’s running promos with HOK merch. And Pinoy gamers are always ready to try something new, especially if it feels competitive and community-driven.

As the Honor of Kings Global Championship continues to expand, it’s only a matter of time before we see a Filipino team proudly carrying our flag on the world stage.

And when that day comes, I’ll be right there watching, maybe even cheering for a jungler I once teamed up with in ranked.

Have you played HOK Global yet? What’s your go-to hero?
Let’s talk builds, budol skins, and game stories in the comments.