Five Trends in Mobile Esports to Look out for in 2024
As mobile phones become more accessible and powerful, gaming on Android and iOS has seen remarkable growth. With this rise, mobile esports has also flourished, with tournaments boasting million-dollar prize pools and garnering astounding viewership numbers. In recent years, mobile esports has proven itself to be an industry worth paying attention to. Alongside the rise of mobile gaming, e sports betting has emerged as a popular way for fans to engage with their favourite games and tournaments.
In 2024, there is much anticipation for what the year will bring. Despite experiencing a bit of a slowdown in the esports industry, mobile esports has remained resilient, particularly in developing regions less affected by economic downturns. However, 2024 is poised to introduce significant changes to the mobile esports landscape. Every significant mobile esports game, ranging from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) to PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, has revealed significant revisions to their plans for 2024. Let’s take a closer look at the five most prominent mobile esports trends to anticipate in 2024.
1. Battle of the mobile MOBA: MLBB and Honor of Kings vie for global dominance
In the realm of mobile MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) stands out as a frontrunner. With over 530 million hours of watch time in 2023, according to Esports Charts, MLBB was the most viewed mobile esports game. MOONTON, the developer behind MLBB, has unveiled an ambitious schedule for 2024, featuring at least four international events.
However, a new contender has emerged in the MOBA scene: Honor of Kings. Backed by Tencent, Honor of Kings has received a $15 million global investment to bolster its esports presence worldwide. Its success in China positions it as a formidable competitor in the global arena. Despite facing significant challenges, including contractual agreements between esports organizations and MOONTON, Honor of Kings aims to gradually expand its influence on the global stage.
2. Establishment of the Esports World Cup as a premier mobile esports event
In a significant development for mobile esports, the Esports World Cup has replaced Gamers8 as a major tournament series. While featuring various esports titles across PC, console, and mobile platforms, the Esports World Cup holds particular significance for mobile esports. Major titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire have hinted at their participation in the tournament series. With Riyadh already possessing infrastructure from hosting Gamers8 in previous years, the Esports World Cup is poised to become a staple event in the mobile esports calendar.
3. Transition to partnered Super Leagues (PMSL) in PUBG Mobile esports
PUBG Mobile is undergoing a significant shift in its esports structure, replacing open PUBG Mobile Pro Leagues (PMPL) with partnered Super Leagues (PMSL). Spanning across different regions, including SEA, EMEA, Americas, and Central and South Asia, PMSL events will be held as LAN (Local Area Network) tournaments. Partnered teams will enjoy guaranteed slots in the leagues, fostering stability and growth within the PUBG Mobile esports ecosystem.
4. Free Fire Esports rebrands to FFWS and anticipation for Free Fire India release
Despite facing viewership declines, Free Fire Esports remains a prominent force in the esports landscape. With the rebranding of its regional leagues under the FFWS (Free Fire World Series) banner, Free Fire aims to revitalize its esports scene. Additionally, the imminent release of Free Fire India is anticipated to invigorate the game’s presence in the Indian market, with the potential to rival competitors like Battlegrounds Mobile India.
5. Launch of new mobile esports titles
2024 heralds the arrival of several anticipated mobile esports titles. Riot Games’ VALORANT Mobile, Rainbow Six Mobile, and Warzone Mobile are poised to disrupt the mobile shooter market. With established esports scenes in their PC counterparts, these titles are expected to emphasize competitive gaming upon their mobile debut.
In 2024, mobile esports is going to be super exciting! There will be lots of tough competition, and we’ll see some big changes in strategies. So, if you love mobile esports, get ready for an awesome year ahead!