Tencent's flagship mobile game Honor of Kings has achieved a historic milestone, reaching 139 million daily active users (DAU) on its Chinese server and 260 million monthly active users (MAU) globally. The figures, released during the game's 10th-anniversary celebrations, represent a 39% increase from its previous 2024 DAU record of 100 million.
New Horizons for a Gaming Giant
The company announced two upcoming titles: Honor of Kings: World, set for release in spring 2026, and Honor of Kings: Wanxiang Chess, which will begin large-scale testing this December. These developments come as Chinese games collectively secure 38 of the top 100 spots in global mobile game publisher rankings, according to a July 2025 industry report.
From Local Phenomenon to Global Powerhouse
The success mirrors China's growing influence in interactive entertainment. Titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong have demonstrated the global appeal of Chinese game design, with overseas revenue from Chinese-developed games doubling from $9.59 billion in 2018 to $18.56 billion in 2024.
Industry analysts note a strategic evolution: where early exports relied on one-time copyright sales, companies now pursue deep localization through overseas R&D centers and tailored marketing. Tencent Games and other leaders are building independent international brands, signaling a mature phase in China's gaming globalization efforts.
