Riot partners with Lightspeed for Valorant Mobile launch in China

After nearly four years of silence, Riot Games has finally announced that their popular tactical hero shooter, Valorant, is making its way to mobile devices. The development of the mobile version is being spearheaded by Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios. While an exact release date remains under wraps, Riot has confirmed that the launch will initially target the Chinese market, with plans for a broader global rollout to follow.

Valorant strikes a unique balance between the strategic gameplay of Counter-Strike and the character-based dynamics of Overwatch. The game's core mode features a 13-round, 5v5 match where players have one life per round, and often includes a bomb defusal or planting objective, a familiar mechanic for fans of Counter-Strike.

The collaboration between Riot and Lightspeed is a natural fit, given that both entities fall under the Tencent umbrella. This official announcement breaks the long silence on Valorant Mobile and is a much-anticipated update for fans eager to see the game on their mobile devices.

ValorousGiven the dominance of Android in China, a multi-OS release seems almost certain. Currently, the only confirmed details are those released by Riot, which include the involvement of Lightspeed in development and the initial focus on a China-first release.

The promise of a wider release is encouraging, though potential delays may arise due to ongoing trade issues, particularly concerning smartphones crucial for mobile gaming. Fans worldwide may need to exercise patience before Tencent, Lightspeed, and Riot provide a definitive timeline for Valorant's global mobile launch.

In the meantime, if you're eager to keep your gaming 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 your trigger finger in top form.