"Honor of Kings: World Approved in First Batch by Regulator"

Honor of Kings: World, the eagerly anticipated open-world RPG spin-off from Tencent's blockbuster MOBA, has officially received approval from Chinese regulators. This green light came as part of the first batch of new game releases sanctioned for 2025, marking a significant milestone for the title, as all games in China must pass regulatory approval before hitting the market.

As the name suggests, Honor of Kings: World promises to broaden the horizons of the Honor of Kings universe by allowing players to delve into an expansive open world. The game was prominently featured during the showcase for the upcoming iPhone 16, highlighting its stunning graphics and immersive open-world gameplay.

For those familiar with the gaming scene, Honor of Kings needs no introduction. This MOBA has risen to become one of the world's most popular games, surpassing even Riot Games' League of Legends in regions where it was initially available, such as China and other parts of Asia. Now, with Honor of Kings: World on the horizon, it might just be the gateway for MOBA skeptics to dive into this vibrant universe.

A World Away

While this approval might not seem like headline news, it's noteworthy given the backdrop of a previous gaming licensing freeze in China, which had a profound impact on the country's game development and publishing sectors. The freeze, which lasted for a year or two, was eventually lifted, leading to a surge in game releases.

Globally, the gaming community keeps a close watch on these approvals, as they provide clues about when we might see new titles on the market. According to the South China Morning Post, this month's approvals have exceeded the highest monthly totals from last year, hinting at a potential flood of new games from China in 2025. This raises questions about whether some titles might be overshadowed by others in this competitive landscape. As we move forward, we'll keep you updated on these developments.