Honor of Kings has been making waves in the mobile gaming world, and after celebrating its first anniversary since global launch, the game is showing no signs of slowing down. We recently had the chance to sit down for an exclusive email interview with James Yang, Senior Director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center, to discuss the game’s ambitious international esports strategy, upcoming tournaments, and what the future holds for players worldwide.

Honor of Kings has been making waves in the mobile gaming world, and after celebrating its first anniversary since global launch, the game is showing no signs of slowing down. We recently had the chance to sit down for an exclusive email interview with James Yang, Senior Director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center, to discuss the game’s ambitious international esports strategy, upcoming tournaments, and what the future holds for players worldwide.

Bringing KIC to the Philippines: A New Chapter in Global Expansion

This year marks a significant milestone for Honor of Kings as the International Championship (KIC) heads to the Philippines for the first time. For Yang and his team, this represents much more than just another tournament location.

“KIC being held in the Philippines for the first time represents a significant step in our global esports expansion strategy, further reflecting our commitment to making Honor of Kings more accessible and inclusive by lowering barriers to entry and empowering players from all corners of the world to shine on the international stage,” Yang explains.

While the exclusive champion skin is certainly a highlight, Yang reveals that fans can look forward to much more at KIC 2025. The team is planning a comprehensive experience that extends far beyond the main competition.

“Fans can expect far more than just the exclusive champion skin at KIC 2025. We are curating a diverse range of exciting activities, both in-game and offline, designed to elevate the entire tournament experience,” Yang shares.

The plans include regional activities that celebrate local cultures, exclusive in-game rewards, and behind-the-scenes content that gives fans an inside look at team preparations and player interviews. “To give fans an inside look at the tournament, we will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content. This will include team preparations, interviews with players, and glimpses into the production of KIC 2025, bringing fans closer to the esports team they support.”

Building Structure: The Seven Regional Professional Leagues

With the release of Season 2 schedules for all seven regional professional leagues, Yang describes this as a crucial development in Honor of Kings’ international esports journey.

“The release of the Season 2 schedule for all seven regional professional leagues is a pivotal milestone in Honor of Kings’ international esports development. It reflects our deep commitment to building a sustainable, globally integrated competitive esports ecosystem,” he explains.

Yang notes that this structured approach enables better storytelling across regions: “This showcases our dedication to elevating Honor of Kings as a leading esports title. The synchronisation of regional leagues will enable us to amplify global storytelling, where fans from different regions can engage with their favourite teams and players as part of a cohesive global narrative.”

Creating Pathways: Open Series and Campus Programs

Honor of Kings has focused on creating clear paths for aspiring players to reach professional levels. The Open Series and Honor of Kings Campus Series (KCS) have become key stepping stones for rising talent.

The participation numbers highlight the reach of these programs: “The Open Series has already seen over 160,000 registered players in its third split, underscoring its role as a vibrant entry point,” Yang notes. Meanwhile, “The inaugural KCS tournament reached over 500 campuses worldwide, drawing thousands of student participants and offering them a meaningful opportunity to experience competitive play that mirrors the professional scene.”

Yang describes these programs as central to the game’s vision: “The Open Series and Honor of Kings Campus Series (KCS) are central to Honor of Kings’ vision of building a truly inclusive and scalable global esports ecosystem. These programs were designed to democratize access to competitive play, offering aspiring talents, from grassroots communities to university campuses, a clear and structured pathway to the professional stage.”

Introducing Nation Clash: A New Tournament Format

October will see the debut of the Honor of Kings Nation Clash (KNC) in Malaysia, introducing a fresh competitive format that focuses on national representation and regional pride.

“The Honor of Kings Nation Clash (KNC) introduces a fresh competitive format that celebrates regional pride while maintaining the high standards of international esports,” Yang explains. “The tournament brings together national teams in a format designed to showcase not just individual skill, but collective synergy and cultural identity.”

The inaugural tournament will feature teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with each country using tailored selection processes to highlight their unique talent and playstyles. The winning region will receive the prestigious in-game Flowborn design set.

Looking ahead, Yang confirms that expansion is part of the long-term plan: “Expanding KNC to include more countries is part of our long-term vision. The format was designed from the outset to be scalable and adaptable, to foster regional pride and cross-border competition.”

Supporting Creators: The Million Dollar Initiative

Honor of Kings has also launched initiatives focused on content creators through the Million Dollar Creator Project and Honor of Kings Studio initiative.

“The Million Dollar Creator Project and Honor of Kings Studio represent a bold step in Honor of Kings’ mission to empower and elevate content creators around the world,” Yang shares. These programs target a wide range of creators, from new players starting their content journey to experienced community leaders.

Yang explains the goal: “Through these programs, we aim to provide resources, mentorship, and global visibility to creators who consistently produce engaging, high-quality content. Whether it’s gameplay breakdowns, creative storytelling, or community-driven formats, we’re building a platform where creators can thrive, innovate, and grow alongside the game.”

Reflecting on Year One: Building a Global Community

As Honor of Kings celebrates its first anniversary since global launch, Yang reflects on what the team considers their key achievements.

“Looking back on the first year since Honor of Kings’ global launch, what we’re most proud of is how quickly and meaningfully the community has grown, not just in numbers, but in spirit,” he says. “We’ve seen passionate players from all corners of the world embrace the game, build vibrant local communities, and contribute to a truly global ecosystem.”

While esports milestones like the inaugural Honor of Kings World Cup and the launch of regional leagues have been significant, Yang emphasizes that the community stories matter most: “On the esports front, milestones like the inaugural Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) and the launch of seven regional professional leagues have laid a strong foundation for competitive excellence. But beyond the tournaments and titles, it’s the stories of rising stars, dedicated creators, and fans who’ve made Honor of Kings part of their daily lives that truly stand out.”

Yang concludes: “This first year has proven that Honor of Kings isn’t just a game — it’s a movement, and we’re only just getting started.”

With tournaments expanding to new regions, support systems for both players and creators, and a structured approach to global esports development, Honor of Kings has established multiple programs and initiatives across its first year of global operation.