Building on the lessons learned from Valorant's successful launch, Riot Games is currently hard at work developing Valorant mobile.
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Riot Games, the powerhouse behind the highly acclaimed first-person shooter Valorant, is gearing up for a groundbreaking move into the world of esports with the much-anticipated Valorant mobile release. Since its debut in 2020, Valorant has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing a dedicated and passionate fanbase. With its three premier international leagues, thriving Challengers circuit, and inclusive Game Changers series, Valorant has cemented itself as a top-tier esports title.
Now, as the gaming giant ventures into the mobile domain, we had the privilege of sitting down with Executive Producer Anna Donlon and Game Director Andy Ho during Masters Tokyo to shed some light on the current state of Valorant mobile.
The year 2020 saw Valorant’s entry into the gaming industry amidst the challenges posed by a global pandemic. Unlike traditional game launches with extensive promotional events and early tournaments, Valorant faced an unprecedented situation.
With travel restrictions and lockdown measures in place, Riot Games had to navigate the complex task of introducing their flagship title to the world while ensuring the safety of their team and players. They swiftly adapted, shifting to remote operations and utilizing online platforms to engage with the community.
Despite the hurdles, releasing Valorant in 2020 turned out to be a pivotal and successful decision for Riot Games, as Donlon explained, “There was a moment where we thought we weren’t ready to launch it yet, and that we won’t be able to support it in this type of environment. But it was one of the best decisions we made to take that chance and release the game at that time. Players needed something at that moment, and we were ready for them. That was a big one for us.”
Valorant resonated deeply with players during a challenging time, and Ho added, “We got a lot of feedback from players over the years on how Valorant meant so much for them at that point in time.”
Donlon stressed that the success of Valorant’s launch was rooted in their confidence in the game’s readiness. Despite the absence of their envisioned launch events, Riot Games knew they had crafted an engaging experience for players.
Building on the lessons learned from Valorant’s successful launch, Riot Games is currently hard at work developing Valorant mobile. However, they remain tight-lipped about specific details and release dates.
According to Donlon, the team is fully committed to ensuring that Valorant mobile meets the same level of refinement and excellence as the original game. “We just don’t want to put Valorant on mobile if it doesn’t work right and if it isn’t as great of an experience as we think we can provide,” she said. “So I think that’s taken longer than we’d hoped to make it feel really good, but it’s still in development, and something we’re really excited about.”
Ho reiterated that the next update on Valorant mobile will come closer to the launch date, as the game is still undergoing significant changes. “To keep our ability to learn and understand that it’s healthy, we need to take away the pressure of a timeline,” said Donlon. “The more we talk about it, the more players are looking for confirmation of a launch date. Right now, we’re just trying to get it right before we start talking about it more.”
Donlon and Ho emphasized their commitment to preserving Valorant’s core essence and ensuring that the mobile version stays true to its roots. They want players to enjoy the full Valorant experience without compromising on what makes the game special.
As Valorant mobile continues its development journey, Riot Games remains dedicated to delivering a compelling and authentic gaming experience tailored to the needs of mobile players.
Valorant mobile is poised to make a significant impact in the esports world, building on the success of its predecessor. Riot Games’ meticulous approach and dedication to player satisfaction pave the way for a thrilling mobile gaming experience that will undoubtedly captivate both existing fans and newcomers alike.
