Exciting news for fans of Tencent's blockbuster MOBA, Honor of Kings: The much-anticipated spin-off, Honor of Kings: World, has officially received the green light from Chinese regulators. This approval came as part of the first batch of games greenlit for release in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the title. While a specific release date remains under wraps, this development signals that the game's launch is on the horizon.

Honor of Kings: World promises to take players on an expansive journey through an open-world RPG setting, a significant departure from the original MOBA format. The game was prominently featured during the showcase for the upcoming iPhone 16, highlighting its stunning graphics and immersive open-world gameplay. This spin-off aims to broaden the Honor of Kings universe, offering fans a new way to engage with their favorite characters and stories.

For those unfamiliar, Honor of Kings has long been a titan in the MOBA genre, initially confined to China and select Asian markets. Despite these regional limitations, it has eclipsed even Riot Games' League of Legends in popularity. Honor of Kings: World could serve as an enticing entry point for those yet to be won over by the MOBA genre, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved universe.

**A World Away**

While this approval might not seem groundbreaking at first glance, it's a significant development in the context of China's gaming industry. A few years ago, a licensing freeze halted the progress of game development and publishing in the country. The subsequent thaw led to a surge in game releases, and the industry has been closely monitoring these approvals ever since. According to the South China Morning Post, this month's approvals have exceeded the highest monthly totals from the previous year, hinting at a potential flood of new games in 2025.

As we look forward to the release of Honor of Kings: World and other approved titles, the question remains: Will this influx of games lead to some being overshadowed by others? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the gaming landscape in 2025 is set to be more vibrant and diverse than ever.