Tencent, China’s internet giant, is gearing up to launch a Valorant esports league in the country this year, signaling the resumption of business activities in the industry after a two-year crackdown. According to insiders, Tencent’s unit TJ Sports has been engaging with top Chinese esports players to discuss the establishment of the competition. The league is expected to commence as soon as this summer, coinciding with the domestic release of the game. Although talks are still in early stages and the timeline might be adjusted, the initiative will undoubtedly revitalize competitive online gaming in China. The pandemic restrictions and Beijing’s crackdown on youth addiction had resulted in a slowdown in the gaming sector in recent years.
Valorant, a popular esports title launched globally in 2020, has emerged as a strong contender in the multibillion-dollar market, competing with rival shooters like Blizzard’s Overwatch. Tencent obtained approval to introduce the game in China only in December 2022, a move that was interpreted by investors as a sign of the government’s willingness to ease its grip on the sector.
The anticipation of Tencent’s Valorant league has already had a positive impact on the company’s stock, with shares experiencing gains in late Hong Kong trading. Analysts believe that the regulatory obstacles are gradually being overcome, leading to a resurgence in growth for Chinese tech firms.
Tencent’s plans for a Valorant extravaganza are consistent with its strategy of expanding its portfolio of Chinese competitive leagues, covering various genres from battle arenas to racing and first-person shooters. In 2019, Tencent established TJ Sports in partnership with its US subsidiary Riot Games to oversee League of Legends competitions. Another unit is responsible for organizing tournaments based on Honor of Kings, Tencent’s highly successful mobile game.
Besides rejuvenating Tencent’s business, Valorant and the associated esports events will serve as a remedy for the company’s struggles with stricter online content regulations. Following the introduction of curbs on gaming time and undesirable content in 2021, Tencent’s growth trajectory has stalled. However, the recent approval for major releases like Valorant and Pokémon Unite suggests that China is easing its crackdown on Big Tech. It is worth noting that Beijing had expressed disapproval of violent shooting games with perceived Western cultural influences in the past. As a result, Tencent had to replace PUBG with the less gory PeaceKeeper Elite, which also incorporated political slogans.
The development of professional gaming has been a key focus for Tencent, involving substantial investments in talent agencies, streaming platforms, and tournament organizers. This commitment is aimed at transforming pro gaming from a niche industry to a central component of Tencent’s growth strategy. The League of Legends Pro League operated by TJ, for example, is currently the world’s largest esports league in terms of partnered teams and viewership.
Internationally, Riot Games itself organizes three Valorant leagues, spanning different regions and featuring a total of 30 teams.
In summary, Tencent’s plans to launch a Valorant esports league in China demonstrate the resurgence of the country’s internet giants in the wake of a two-year industry crackdown. The league will revive competitive online gaming in China and contribute to Tencent’s recovery from the challenges posed by stricter content regulations. The introduction of Valorant, along with other major releases, indicates a potential easing of the government’s grip on the tech sector. Tencent’s investments in talent agencies and tournament organizers reflect its commitment to developing professional gaming and leveraging it as a key driver of growth.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
