Riot Games is officially going all-in on VALORANT Mobile, and we finally have the numbers to prove it.
Over the weekend at ChinaJoy 2025 in Shanghai, Riot and its parent company Tencent revealed some massive updates around VALORANT Mobile, including an official release date of August 19th for China, and confirming a whopping 1.5 billion CNY ¥ investment (~$200 million) to fuel the development, rollout, and long-term success of VALORANT Mobile in China. That’s not just hype, that’s serious cash on the table, and a clear sign that Riot’s aiming to dominate the mobile FPS scene But the real headline?
Big Launch Plans, Big Content
The launch version of VALORANT Mobile in China won’t be a watered-down side project. Players are getting a fully stacked game right out of the gate, with:
- 18 Agents from the PC version (with more to come)
- 7 Core Maps, plus 2 exclusive TDM maps just for mobile
- 10 Game Modes, including Competitive, Deathmatch, and Spike Rush
- Built-in replay system, real-time anti-cheat, and profile highlight sharing
They’re even squeezing in 120 FPS support and a new popularity system to track in-game clout. It’s clear Riot wants this to feel just as competitive and polished as the PC experience.
Confirms 3-year long term investment building structure for VALM…
1.5 BILLION CNY ($200 Mil) INVESTMENT FOR VALM ACROSS THREE YEARS??????
Game launches with 18 Agents, 7 Maps (2 Mobile exclusive TDM) and 10 Game Modes pic.twitter.com/AfPRqFPybH
— hesketh2 (@subzidite2) August 3, 2025
Riot’s clearly not holding back, and they’re treating this mobile spin-off with the same ambition as the main game.
And let’s be real, mobile shooters are massive in Asia, so this isn’t just a “China-only” moment. It’s a trial run for what could easily go global.
$200M for Tournaments, Esports, and Growth
The huge investment from Riot and Tencent will roll out over the next three years, aimed at turning VALORANT Mobile into a long-term powerhouse in the mobile esports space. We’re talking:
- National and collegiate tournaments open to everyone
- Regular co-branded events in China
- Full infrastructure to support players across all skill levels
- Plans to maintain competitive integrity with tech like hardware fingerprint detection and macro/mouse-keyboard blocking
This is the part i’m most shocking at
Tencent/Riot China is willing to push “$200,000,000” investment into VALORANT Mobile, the conference describe it as a 3-year plan
IDK if 1.5B number is in Yuan, if it is that’s insane amount and shows that Tencent/Riot CN is really all-in pic.twitter.com/uNCkQe0Bmv
— hesketh2 (@subzidite2) August 3, 2025
TJ Sports CEO Bobby Jin Yibo called it a “player-centred, creativity-driven, esports-powered ecosystem.” Bold words, but with this level of funding, they might just pull it off.
60 Million Players Already Lined Up
If you’re wondering whether anyone’s actually interested in a mobile VALORANT, well, the numbers speak for themselves. Riot confirmed over 60 million pre-registrations in China alone. That’s not just a player base, that’s a tidal wave.
VALORANT MOBILE BREAKS “”60 MILLION”” PRE-REGISTERS
Announced right during the China Launch Event at ChinaJoy, the numbers are absolutely unprecedented.
This is doubled tripled of what Wild Rift gets even in China pic.twitter.com/wQe6GGm2oU
— hesketh2 (@subzidite2) August 3, 2025
It’s also why Riot’s focusing so heavily on China first, even with fans worldwide chomping at the bit. VALORANT Studio boss Anna Donlon said it best: “It’s not just about the size of the market, it’s about the passion of the players here.”
Global Launch? Still TBD
As for the rest of us? Unfortunately, there’s still no word on a global release date for VALORANT Mobile. Riot seems fully committed to getting China right before expanding. But hey, if this all goes well, there’s a good chance the rest of the world won’t be waiting too long.