VALORANT Mobile to invest $200m for esports ecosystem

During the ChinaJoy 2025 conference that took place this past weekend in Shanghai, China, Riot Games and parent company Tencent have announced the official release date for VALORANT Mobile, as well as a $200 million investment into the esports ecosystem for the FPS title.

VALORANT Mobile will officially launch in China on August 19

The game developer has been prioritizing the large Chinese market, which is known for its affinity in not only the competitive scene but especially the mobile space. Developed by Tencent’s Lightspeed Studio, the game has seen a lot of interest and hype, surpassing 60 million pre-registrations in the latest update.

During the conference, Riot Games revealed the content planned for the launch, including a total of 10 game modes such as Competitive, Deathmatch, and Spike Rush. In terms of maps, players will be able to play seven different maps in the core modes, and an additional two exclusive to the Team Deathmatch game mode.

Other key features that were previously announced for the game include:

• Fully optimized, runs at 120 FPS
• MVP Animations
• Built-in tracker system
• In-game popularity system
• Replay system
• New inventory system, including unique battle pass, exclusive skins, and custom agent sprays
• Free skins
• Custom rooms
• Profile highlights and clip posting

18 Agents confirmed on launch

Unlike the PC version, which features 27 agents, VALORANT Mobile will offer 18 characters on release. The missing agents are:

• KAY/O
• Fade
• Harbor
• Gekko
• Deadlock
• Clove
• Vyse
• Tejo
• Waylay

1.5B Yuan investment to support growth

According to images shared during the conference, Riot also announced a 1.5B Yuan (more than $200 million) investment over the next three years, with the focus on long-term longevity and building a multi-aspect service environment infrastructure. A national esports competition is expected to take place in September.

Some more images from the VALORANT Mobile China Launch

– The 1.5B Yuan ($200M) investment spreads over 3yrs, Goal is "building a multi-aspect service environment infrastructure"

– Even an LED promotion in a building

– "National Circuit" November

– Anna also at the event pic.twitter.com/TuwkgML5fM

— hesketh2 (@subzidite2) August 3, 2025

While the Chinese version of VALORANT Mobile is getting a lot of attention, Riot Games has yet to announce plans for its launch in other regions and there is no confirmed date on the global version for now.