Honor of Kings sets sight on bigger campaign in 2025 after roaring global launch

JAKARTA — Honor of Kings is looking to continue its expansion following a successful global launch that started only last June.

HoK recently capped its inaugural global event with the 2024 Honor of Kings Championship with Black Shrew Esports of Malaysia dominating the hometown bet Dominator Esports of Indonesia with a clean 4-0 triumph on Sunday here.

And HoK hopes to build on this momentum come 2025.

"I can say it was successful and we are very happy with the result so far. Because as a first year, we really achieved more than we thought, frankly speaking," James Yang, senior director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center, said in a press conference on Sunday.

HoK publisher Tencent Games revealed several projects next year, including a new professional league system with the HoK Major East and Major West as the title eyes to be more inclusive next year.

Currently, only China has a professional league with the King Pro League (KPL) that was launched back in 2016.

"So, the main reason why we divided Major East and Major West is because of the time zone difference. If we have only one, then maybe for Western audiences, it would not be easy to watch," Yang added.

"We are also considering having a more national pro league, but it's also just one step before the announcement. So soon we're going to announce more details, how many teams, which regions, when to do it, or how to watch. So please stay tuned. We'll update the information soon."

This is on top of the three global tournaments the HoK has lined up for 2025, which includes the Invitational Season 3, Invitational Mid-Season as part of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, and the 2025 Honor of Kings Championship.

HoK is also upbeat that it can join the maiden Esports Olympics.

"I really believe HOK is the best game to fit into the Olympic Esports Games because for Olympic Esports Games, the game should be popular in the world and Honor of Kings is the most-played mobile MOBA in the world," Yang said.

"So as a game of popularity, I think HOK is the best fit for the Olympic Esports Games."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News