Tencent’s highly anticipated open-world action RPG, Honor of Kings: World, officially receives its license from the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). This approval, part of the first batch of 2025 licenses, not only marks a major milestone for Tencent but also signals that the game is ready for global publishing.
In 2024, China approved a staggering 1,416 games, reflecting a steady recovery from regulatory slowdowns. With Honor of Kings: World now licensed, the momentum continues, setting the stage for a groundbreaking year.
A Franchise Built on Success
Developed by TiMi Studio Group, Honor of Kings: World builds upon the globally renowned Honor of Kings franchise. Known for its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, the new title aims to elevate the series with: a rich open-world experience, cross-platform availability on mobile and PC, and an engaging and immersive narrative.
The game’s development, which began in 2020, has been closely followed by fans. It was even featured at Apple’s iPhone 16 showcase in 2024, where its cutting-edge visuals and gameplay received widespread acclaim.
A Record-Breaking Year
2024 was a banner year for China’s gaming industry, with the NPPA approving an unprecedented number of titles. This trend has carried into 2025, with 123 domestic games and 13 foreign titles approved in January. December alone saw the green light for 122 domestic and 13 imported games, including:
- NetEase’s Ananta: An open-world urban anime RPG.
- Monster Hunter: Outlander: A collaboration between Tencent and Capcom.
- Frostpunk: Beyond the Ice: A mobile adaptation of the popular PC strategy game.
- JUMP: Assemble: A MOBA featuring iconic anime characters.
What This Means for Gamers
The approval of Honor of Kings: World in China is usually the last hurdle game developers need to conquer before they can fully publish a game worldwide. Now that the game is approved, Tencent can now prepare to release the game globally.
What’s Next for Honor of Kings: World?
While a release date remains unconfirmed, Tencent has revealed that the game’s main storyline is “basically completed.” More testing is planned in the coming months, suggesting that fans won’t have to wait much longer to explore the expansive world of Honor of Kings: World.
