After nearly four years of anticipation, Riot Games has finally broken the silence on the mobile version of their acclaimed tactical hero shooter, Valorant. The development of Valorant Mobile has been entrusted to Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios, setting the stage for a China-first release strategy. While an exact release date remains under wraps, the partnership between Riot and Lightspeed, both under the Tencent umbrella, promises exciting times ahead for fans.
Valorant distinguishes itself as a blend of the tactical precision seen in Counter-Strike and the dynamic hero abilities of Overwatch. The game's core mode is a 13-round 5v5 match where players have a single life per round and engage in objectives reminiscent of defusal and planting scenarios from Counter-Strike. This unique mix has cemented Valorant's position as a top contender in the shooter genre.
The collaboration between Riot and Lightspeed, though anticipated due to their shared parent company, Tencent, is a significant step forward. This official announcement comes as a relief to the community, which has been eagerly awaiting news on Valorant Mobile.
Given the dominance of Android in China, a multi-OS release seems almost certain. Riot's confirmation of the development partnership with Lightspeed and the planned China-first rollout is all the concrete information we have at this point. However, this also hints at a broader global release in the future.
Despite the excitement, global trade issues, particularly those affecting smartphones crucial for mobile gaming, might delay the worldwide launch. Riot, Lightspeed, and Tencent will likely take their time to ensure a smooth rollout across different regions.
While waiting for Valorant Mobile, if you're eager to keep your shooting skills sharp, don't limit yourself to non-shooter genres. Instead, explore our curated list of the best shooters available on Android and iOS to keep the adrenaline pumping.
